By Vaishali Tiwari, AIDMI, Madhya Pradesh, India

Suresh Kori, a fresh fruit and vegetable seller from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, has been working tirelessly for years to earn his livelihood, moving around the city in all kinds of weather, be it the scorching summer sun, the heavy monsoon rains, or the biting winter cold. Selling fruits and vegetables in open spaces without a fixed stall means he is constantly exposed to environmental conditions, particularly during the intense summer months when temperatures rise sharply. Suresh has long been aware that protection from the sun through shade and access to drinking water are essential to safeguard his health and maintain his ability to work. He knew that having an umbrella or canopy to shield both himself and his vegetables could prevent the produce from spoiling quickly and reduce his direct exposure to harmful heat. Similarly, maintaining an adequate supply of drinking water would prevent dehydration and enable him to continue working without interruption. However, financial limitations had always stood in the way of turning this awareness into action. Like many street vendors in small towns, his daily earnings were just enough to cover household expenses and buy fresh stock for the next day’s sales, leaving no extra funds for protective equipment. As a result, before any intervention, Suresh’s working conditions were challenging. He would stand for long hours under the blazing sun without any cover, just a headcap sometimes, which was not enough protection during the peak afternoon heat. Without a water storage option, he was often forced to leave his cart in search of water, losing precious selling time and sometimes customers. These conditions led to frequent headaches, dizziness, and occasional heat exhaustion, reducing his work efficiency and income potential during the very season when demand for fruits and vegetables was high.

This situation changed when Suresh became a beneficiary of the AIDMI Heatwave Mitigation Project for Small Businesses. Through the project, he received targeted financial support of ₹5,000 specifically to help him put their heat protection knowledge into practice. Understanding exactly what he needed, Suresh used the funds to purchase a large umbrella, wide enough to cover both him and his display of fruits and vegetables, and a large water bottle capable of storing a full day’s drinking water. This relatively small investment brought a remarkable improvement in his working conditions. The umbrella now shields him from direct sunlight, significantly reducing his exposure to heat and lowering the risk of heat-related illness. His produce also stays fresh for longer, reducing waste and improving sales quality. With his water supply on hand, he no longer needs to interrupt his selling rounds to search for drinking water, allowing him to serve more customers and increase his daily productivity. These changes have made Suresh’s workday more comfortable and sustainable, enabling him to move around the city with greater confidence and without the constant fear of falling sick due to heat exhaustion. Motivated by his own positive experience, Suresh now speaks more confidently with fellow vendors and community members, sharing practical tips on how to protect themselves from extreme heat. He explains the benefits of shade, hydration, and simple protective measures, encouraging others to adopt these practices.

Suresh’s story highlights the common misconception among small businesses that adopting protective measures requires substantial money and effort. Through his journey, AIDMI acted as a mentor, helping him realise that with limited resources, such steps are both practical and achievable; the key lies in the right awareness. This guidance has brought a complete change in his day-to-day life, making his work safer, healthier, and more sustainable.

रीवा शहर से प्रेरक अनुभव

By AIDMI, India

ऑल इंडिया डिज़ास्टर मिटिगेशन इंस्टिट्यूट (AIDMI) के हीटवेव अनुकूलन उपाय प्रोजेक्ट से उन्हें ₹5,000 की सहायता मिली, जिससे उन्होंने एक बड़ा छाता और पानी की बोतल खरीदी। इस छोटे से निवेश ने उनके कामकाज में बड़ा बदलाव लाया। अब वे धूप से सुरक्षित रहते हैं, उनकी सब्ज़ियाँ ताज़ा रहती हैं और पानी की तलाश में वक्त भी बर्बाद नहीं होता। इससे उनकी कमाई और कार्यक्षमता दोनों बढ़ी हैं।

सुरेश कोरी, रीवा (मध्यप्रदेश) के एक फल और सब्ज़ी विक्रेता हैं। वे सालों से धूप, बरसात और ठंड जैसी कठिन परिस्थितियों में घूम-घूमकर अपना सामान बेचते हैं। गर्मी के मौसम में उन्हें तेज धूप और पानी की कमी से अक्सर सिरदर्द, चक्कर और थकावट जैसी समस्याओं का सामना करना पड़ता था। सुरेश को पता था कि छांव और पानी की सुविधा होना ज़रूरी है, लेकिन आर्थिक तंगी के कारण वह यह उपाय नहीं कर पाते थे।

आज सुरेश अपने अनुभव दूसरों के साथ भी साझा करते हैं और बताते हैं कि साधारण उपायों से भी गर्मी से बचाव किया जा सकता है। उनका अनुभव यह भ्रम तोड़ता है कि सुरक्षा के लिए बहुत पैसा और मेहनत चाहिए। वास्तव में केवल जागरूकता ज़रूरी है, और इसमें AIDMI ने उनके मार्गदर्शक की भूमिका निभाई है।