The Analysis, a research and consulting group, conducted a study in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh to analyze the impact of heat stress on vulnerable populations such as the street vendors, women, persons with disabilities, gig workers, outdoor workers and more. A field survey of 50 people was conducted to analyze how the rising temperature affects livelihood and health of the outdoor workers. The survey also sought to explore aspects including awareness and education levels of these groups regarding heat waves and heat stress.
As a part of the survey, The Analysis team also measured surface level temperature of the roads at the major locations in the city. Interestingly the survey showed a 20 degrees difference in the surface temperature of roads under green shade and without shade in Bhopal.
The findings of the survey show that 72 percent of the respondents spend more than 8 hours outdoors. Further, 60 percent of respondents said that they continue to work even during the peak hours of the day. On the issue of heat stress impacting the health of these workers, the survey found that 70 percent of the respondents felt fatigued or experienced headache and eye irritation due to working in the heat.
The study offers recommendations which include initiating a massive urban greening program at state level urgently, ensuring availability of clean and cool drinking water at major public places in the city and public display of warnings. This study also stresses on making changes to laws such as Street Vendors Act or laws on labor safety to introduce provisions on occupational health safety due to heat, and insurance for their livelihood against climate hazards.
Rishabh Shrivastava, Lawyer and Founding Partner, The Analysis, proposed policy measures for making the city heat resilient. He added that simple interventions like protecting the remaining trees and creating a new green cover can go a long way in making the cities liveable during the hot season.
