Heat, Health or Pay: The Daily Dilemma of Delhi Workers

A driver who spends long hours on the road must decide whether to shorten his shift and earn less, or push through the blistering heat that can worsen his health.

The city’s many wage earners—construction crews, street traders, delivery folks—are all in the same spot. They keep Delhi moving but are also the most exposed to extreme temperatures.

When it reaches over 100 degrees, the heat turns everyday tasks into dangerous work. People feel exhausted even before starting a shift and worry about long‑term health problems, like heart issues that could need surgery later.

Some choose to work fewer hours and accept a lower paycheck, hoping to protect their bodies for the future. Others keep working at full speed, taking the risk that the heat will damage their health even more.

This trade‑off shows how climate and economy collide, forcing ordinary people to pick between earning enough for family needs and safeguarding their well‑being.