Rising temperatures in Bengaluru, India, are taking a toll on informal workers like Venkatachala, a flower seller who struggles to earn a living as the heat wilts his flowers quickly.
Known for its pleasant climate, Bengaluru is now experiencing more intense heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels.
Bengaluru’s 14 million residents include many migrant workers who moved from villages seeking better opportunities. These workers, who contribute nearly half of India’s GDP, face severe challenges due to extreme heat, which affects their health, livelihood, and income.
Day laborers, including street vendors and construction workers, are particularly vulnerable as they often work outdoors without access to adequate shade or cool spaces.
The lack of shade and basic amenities exacerbates challenges for the city’s informal labor force.The city’s rising temperatures are exacerbated by the urban heat-island effect, with concrete and asphalt trapping heat.
This is especially problematic in the slums, where overcrowded homes with poor ventilation trap heat, making life unbearable for residents like Venkatachala, who lives in a metal-roofed house.
The heat impacts more than just comfort; it threatens workers’ health and productivity. As temperatures rise, workers tire easily, experience dizziness, and are at risk of heat-related illnesses.
Access to basic amenities like drinking water and electricity is also a challenge, with many workers unable to afford adequate hydration or cooling measures.
Experts urge that climate planning and urban development must prioritize the needs of marginalized workers. Building cities that focus on equity and sustainability and ensuring meaningful participation from informal workers in policymaking, are crucial steps in addressing the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.