By Kshitij Gupta, AIDMI, India

Heatwaves have acquired catastrophic proportions in India. Several recent studies have revealed that over 90 per cent of India’s total land area is now categorised in the “extremely cautious” or “danger zone” concerning the increasing occurrence of heatwaves, primarily attributed to climate change.^[1] Moreover, the impact of heatwaves goes beyond human health, affecting economic productivity, food security and increased water stress.

In 2024, all previous records have been broken by the intense heat. Between March and May 2024, almost 56 people died due to the extreme heat and there have been more than 25,000 cases of heat strokes being reported across the country.^[2] The situation is even more worrisome as the general elections are underway in the world’s largest democracy. In India’s most populous state Uttar Pradesh, it has been reported that at least nine people involved in election duty have died due to suspected heatstroke and several others have fallen sick. This follows a similar pattern from the previous year where close to 150 people died due to heatwave-related illnesses and ailments.^[3]

Perhaps the population groups most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of heatwaves are the workers of the informal economy. Not only do they work out in the blistering heat without any social or physical protection, but they are often entrapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and deprivation whenever they suffer any disruption due to the extreme heat. The All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) recognised the elevated vulnerability levels of such workers and conducted a demand survey of heatwave mitigation actions in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

This demand survey revealed a lot of useful lessons for heatwave adaptation and mitigation programming for promoting the welfare and protection of informal economy workers. Some of these lessons are discussed below.

The first lesson is to conduct comprehensive mapping exercises to identify the specific vulnerabilities and hotspots of informal sector workers in urban areas of India. This research should not only focus on geographic concentrations but also consider factors such as the nature of work, living conditions, access to essential services, and existing coping mechanisms.

The second lesson is the need for greater research on viable livelihood adaptation strategies for informal sector workers during heatwave events. This could involve investigating alternative income-generating activities, exploring the feasibility of temporary relocation or work schedule adjustments, and identifying sustainable cooling solutions for outdoor work environments.

The third lesson is that developing and promoting affordable and sustainable cooling solutions tailored to the needs of informal sector workers is a critical action area. This could involve researching low-cost, eco-friendly cooling technologies, such as evaporative cooling systems, solar-powered fans, and insulation materials.

The fourth lesson is to promote climate-resilient infrastructure solutions in informal settlements and urban slums. This could include investigating the use of cool roofing materials, green infrastructure, and passive cooling techniques. Collaborative efforts involving urban planners, architects, and community members can lead to contextually relevant and sustainable solutions.

The fifth key lesson is to enhance heatwave early warning systems and ensuring their effective dissemination to informal sector workers is a crucial action area. Research is needed to understand the most effective communication channels, language barriers, and cultural factors that influence the uptake and response to heatwave advisories among this population.

By focusing on these lessons, the stakeholders can collectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by heatwaves to informal sector workers in urban locations across India. All in all, interdisciplinary collaborations, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions will be key to developing effective and sustainable solutions that enhance the resilience of these vulnerable communities.

[1] Bardhan, R., Debnath, R., Gama, J., Vijay, U. (2020). REST framework: A modelling approach towards cooling energy stress mitigation plans for future cities in warming Global South. Sustainable Cities and Societies, 65, 102369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2020.102369] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102315

[2] Mishra, N. (2023, June 5). Heatwave: 56 related deaths reported in India from March to May; 25,000 heat stroke cases, Odisha 20 deaths in May. Mint. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/heatwave-56-related-deaths-reported-in-india-from-march-to-may-25-000-heat-stroke-cases-odisha-20-deaths-in-may-11717401959354.html

[3] Indian Express. (2023, May 11). Deaths up in Ballia hospital as heatwave sweeps UP, MP. https://indianexpress.com/about/heat-wave/

Photo caption: A construction labourer working in the sweltering heat in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Photo: AIDMI.