During heatwave days in April and May, more than 80 per cent of the street vendors surveyed in Delhi stated that they experienced a decrease in customers and nearly half of them suffered a substantial loss of income, as per a recent report by the think tank Greenpeace India and the National Hawker Federation.
The research, which involved 721 street vendors, was carried out in various locations in April and May, such as Meena Bazaar, the area around Old Delhi Railway Station, the Red Fort area, Nehru Place, Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar, Karol Bagh, India Gate, Janpath, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar Road, Saket, Sarojini Market, and others.
"Data from over 700 respondents highlight the devastating impact on their health, productivity, and livelihoods. We demand immediate government intervention, including the establishment of heat shelters in markets with essential facilities, safety kits, and institutional support for the most vulnerable," said Sandeep Verma, Convener of the National Hawker Federation Delhi.
"80.08 per cent of street vendors observed a decline in customer numbers during heatwaves. 49.27 per cent of them have been experiencing a loss of income due to extreme climatic conditions," the report said.
Many survey participants faced health issues because of the hot weather. The most common problem was irritability, which affected 73.44 per cent of respondents. Headaches affected 66.93 per cent, dehydration 67.46 per cent, sunburn 66.53 per cent, fatigue 60.82 per cent, and muscle cramps 57.37 per cent.
Seven out of eight female street vendors reported having high blood pressure. Women in the middle age group expressed concerns about menstrual cycle delays due to the extreme heat.
All the female participants noted that sleeplessness at night has become common due to the increased heat, leading to exhaustion during the day.
The participants also brought attention to the health issues affecting the children in their families, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and nosebleeds, which further complicated the challenges faced by vendors.
More than 82 per cent of street vendors stated they have not received any guidance on handling heat waves.
The research discovered that the majority (71.05 per cent) of street vendors found it difficult to access medical treatment because of financial limitations.
About 20 per cent stated they could not pay for healthcare at all. Only 27 per cent were able to afford healthcare without sacrificing other essential household needs.
Research indicates that rapid urbanisation has worsened the heat in urban areas, with outdoor workers and low-income families bearing the brunt of the consequences.
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