Working through the heat: Stories from Mumbai’s sun-beaten workforce

As Mumbai faces one of its harshest premonsoon heat spells in recent years the cityrsquos outdoor workforce continues to operate amid soaring temperatures and high humidity From infrastructure workers and delivery riders to traffic cops and postmen thousands spend 8 to 12 hours daily under direct sunlight often with little protection from the heatThe Maharashtra government recently issued SOPs for outdoor workers including hydration breaks and staggered work timings as concerns over heat stress rise across urban areas Doctors warn that prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can trigger dehydration fatigue heat stress and even heatstroke particularly among workers spending eight to 12 hours outdoorsmidday spoke to six professionals to learn what measures they were taking before stepping out in the blazing sun Most said workdays now begin before sunrise and staying hydrated is crucialPrem Kumar Zomato delivery partnerPrem Kumar Zomato delivery partner PICSARTHAK MEHTAlsquoI deliver food 12 to 13 hours a day for basic pay and additional targetbased incentives I start working at 8 am Riding a bike for over 12 hours in city traffic already takes a major toll on us Helmets and fullsleeve shirts are worn for safety but at the same time they make us sweat we look forward to pickups and drops because we get a few minutes of freedom from the helmet We cannot fall ill as we donrsquot get leave so it is vital to keep drinking water We carry water bottles not many customers or restaurants offer us water so we refill whenever we get the opportunityrsquoRohidas Medge dabbawalaDabbawala Rohidas Medge who says that despite all challenges his colleagues and he refuse to slow down PICRITIKA GONDHALEKARlsquoDuring this heatwave our work has become much more difficult We travel across Mumbai carrying dozens of tiffin boxes on bicycles handcarts and local trains under the scorching sun By afternoon the metal containers become very hot and the roads feel like they are radiating heat We sweat continuously and have to drink water frequently to avoid dehydration but there is very little time to rest because office workers depend on us to deliver their meals on time Crowded trains and platforms are even more exhausting in this weather Some of our colleagues have felt dizzy and weak but we continue working because our customers trust us The extreme heat is taking a toll on our health but we cannot afford to slow down We now start earlier in the morning carry extra water and cover our heads The dabbawalarsquos motto is to keep moving no matter how harsh the conditions arersquoHansraj Yadav professional dog walkerDog walker Hansraj Yadav at work in Dadar East PICATUL KAMBLElsquoBy 8 am the pavements are hot enough to burn the soles of my shoes and the dogs start panting within minutes In this heatwave even a short walk is risky I carry extra water stop frequently in shaded areas and avoid asphalt because it can injure paws Some dogs refuse to step outside while others get tired much faster than usual As dog walkers our job is no longer just about exercise mdash itrsquos about constantly looking out for signs of heat exhaustion such as excessive panting drooling or lethargy We have had to shift most walks to very early mornings and late evenings but even then the humidity in Mumbai makes it difficult Pet owners are also worried and many ask us to cut walks short The biggest concern is ensuring the dogs stay safe In weather like this a simple walk can quickly turn into a medical emergency if we are not extremely careful For us carrying water and sugar for extra hydration wearing a cap and loose cotton clothes are mandatoryrsquoAniket Shirke construction workerAniket Shirke construction worker PICSARTHAK MEHTAlsquoI work eight months of the year setting up scaffolding for construction paint jobs etc Our work ceases during the monsoon season Bamboo tying and unfolding are mostly done during daylight hours at heights without any shade We climb up in airy clothes and carry water bottles Regular hydration and head coverings are the only two tools we use to protect ourselves against the heat When I began working in this line I did feel uncomfortable with the intense direct sunlight but over time I grew accustomed to it I have never needed any medications but some newcomers do find it difficult falling ill But with time they get used to it We always communicate in advance to ensure sufficient arrangements are made for water at our work sites and an individual makes rounds to ensure everyone is hydratedrsquoRaviraj Sathey traffic copRaviraj Sathey traffic cop PICRITIKA GONDHALEKARlsquoStanding at busy junctions in Mumbai during this heatwave is extremely challenging We spend six to eight hours on the road under direct sunlight surrounded by hot air from vehicles and the heat rising from the asphalt By noon the temperature feels unbearable and dehydration and exhaustion become major concerns We have to remain alert at all times to manage traffic and ensure commutersrsquo safety even when we are feeling dizzy or fatigued There is very little shade at most intersections and taking frequent breaks is not always possible because traffic in Mumbai never stops Many of us carry water bottles wear caps and use wet towels around our necks but the heat still takes a toll Some officers have experienced headaches cramps and weakness while on dutyrsquoGaurav Zamare postal workerGaurav Zamare delivers mail in Malad PICSARTHAK MEHTAlsquoI have been in this profession for seven years now in Mumbai for the past three years We have to face all kinds of challenges across seasons In the summer the biggest challenge is Mumbairsquos humidity and heat A postman walks over 5 km daily in his beat area delivering a minimum of 80100 articles per day In many older buildings we have to climb stairs Although itrsquos a part of the job and we are accustomed to it by now we are finding the heat more intense this year We enter the field around 10 am when the sun is already up and shining Caps protect us from direct sunlight and are a part of the departmentissued cotton uniform To beat the heat we try to stay hydrated throughout the day Thatrsquos how we get by without falling illrsquo344degCMax temp in Colaba on Sunday356ordmCMax temp in Santacruz on Sunday