Delhi, the capital of India, has reached a record temperature of 45C, sparking concerns over the welfare of the city's poor. Despite the extreme heat, millions of informal workers are continuing to work, often in unshaded areas with little access to cooling facilities or healthcare.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning, urging residents to take precautions and stay indoors. However, many informal workers are unable to afford to do so, with limited access to air-conditioned spaces and basic amenities.
The situation is particularly dire for the city's poor, who make up a significant portion of the workforce. According to a recent report by the World Bank, over 70% of Delhi's workforce is employed in the informal sector, with limited access to social protection and healthcare.
The Indian government has implemented various measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave, including the distribution of water and cooling facilities to affected areas. However, many have expressed concerns that these efforts are not sufficient, and that the government needs to do more to protect the city's most vulnerable residents.
Opposition parties have also weighed in, with the Congress Party calling for a comprehensive plan to address the heatwave and its impact on the poor. 'The government's response to the heatwave has been woefully inadequate,' said a spokesperson for the party. 'We need a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of this crisis, including poverty and lack of access to basic amenities.'