New Delhi — As the world observes World Health Day with the theme “my health, my right,” thousands of outdoor workers in Delhi from auto drivers and rickshaw pullers to fruit sellers and vendors are facing a growing health crisis caused by extreme heat and worsening air pollution.
On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2°C over 3 degrees higher than the seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the coming days, warning that the heatwave will continue until Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index stayed in the ‘poor’ category at 209.
The blazing sun isn’t just uncomfortable it’s dangerous. Santosh Hazra, an auto-rickshaw driver, said, “Skin burns in this heat. There’s plenty of water available, but nowhere to sit and rest in the shade.”
Another auto driver, Prashant Kumar, shared that he often feels drowsy while working in the heat. “I’ve been driving for eight years. Summers have always been tough. The heat and pollution make us feel exhausted, and we can’t work as many hours,” he said.
For many, the heat brings not only health troubles but also financial ones. Sarabjeet Singh, who runs a fruit cart near Red Fort, said, “No one comes out from noon to 4 pm. We get tired easily, and sales go down. Our income suffers.”
The combined effect of heat and humidity is also hitting street vendors like Mohammad Haseem. “People don’t step out, so we sell less. But we end up spending more on water or lemon juice to stay cool,” he said.
Environmental expert Bhavreen Kandhari explained that Delhi’s rising temperatures are partly caused by replacing green spaces with concrete. “This creates an urban heat island effect. We need long-term plans to protect tree cover and make cities more liveable,” she said.
A recent report by the NGO Sustainable Futures Collaborative found that while some cities provide emergency relief like water supply or shorter work hours, long-term solutions are still missing. These include creating shaded rest areas, mapping the hottest zones in cities, providing wage insurance, and improving electricity access for cooling.
Medical experts warn that many people underestimate the risks. Dr Vivek Nangia, a senior lung specialist, explained that heatstroke is a medical emergency. “First you get cramps, then exhaustion dizziness, nausea, vomiting and finally, heatstroke, which can land people in ICUs. It can even cause organ failure or death,” he said.
People with existing heart lung, or kidney issues are at even greater risk. Simple advice like drinking fluids, wearing light clothes, and staying indoors during peak heat hours sounds good but it’s not realistic for people whose income depends on being outside.
Jaspreet Singh, who has been running a food cart for over a decade, said he’s used to the heat now but he often sees people faint. “It’s become worse this year. But we can’t stop working.”
Narendra Shah, a 70-year-old rickshaw puller, echoed this. “I’m the only earning member in my family. I can’t skip work. There’s free water available, but not many places to rest,” he said.
The Sustainable Futures report also revealed that many heat action plans depend too much on short-term disaster measures. Long-term changes like more trees, solar panels for shade, or cooling shelters aren’t being built fast enough.
While Delhi has made drinking water widely available in public areas, workers say it’s not enough. What they really need are shaded resting spots and safe, cool spaces where they can recover and keep working without risking their health.