First-hand accounts from those in solid waste management, primary health delivery, and the gig economy sector reveal that Bengaluru, a city that extracts hard labour at a cheap price, fails its most vulnerable workers at every level. From failing to provide drinking water and toilets to neglecting their health, the heatwave has exposed deep systemic gaps.
Asha Workers: The Frontline Forgotten
Asha workers, who serve as the backbone of primary healthcare in the city, report that they often work under the scorching sun without access to clean drinking water or shaded rest areas. Many have to walk long distances between households, and the lack of basic amenities has led to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. One worker shared, 'We are told to serve the community, but who serves us?'
Sanitation Staff: Struggling in the Heat
Sanitation workers, responsible for solid waste management, face similar challenges. They work in direct sunlight handling garbage, often without protective gear or adequate hydration. The absence of toilet facilities forces them to hold nature's call for hours, leading to health complications. A worker noted, 'The city's cleanliness depends on us, but we are treated like dirt.'
Gig Workers: No Safety Net
Delivery riders and other gig economy employees are also bearing the brunt of the heat. With no fixed workplace or employer-provided benefits, they must fend for themselves. Many report that platforms do not provide heat stress guidelines or compensation for lost workdays due to heat exhaustion. One delivery rider said, 'We earn per delivery, so we cannot afford to stop even when the sun is unbearable.'
Systemic Neglect at All Levels
The accounts highlight a pattern of neglect: lack of drinking water stations, insufficient public toilets, and inadequate health outreach for outdoor workers. Labour rights activists argue that the city's rapid growth has prioritized profit over people, leaving essential workers without basic protections. 'Bengaluru thrives on their labour but refuses to invest in their well-being,' said an activist.
Call for Urgent Action
Experts and workers are demanding immediate measures, including mandatory water breaks, shaded rest areas, and access to clean toilets for all outdoor workers. They also call for heatwave action plans that specifically address the needs of informal and gig workers. Without these interventions, the human cost of the heatwave will only rise.
As temperatures continue to climb, the stories of these workers serve as a stark reminder that Bengaluru's progress must be measured not just by its tech parks, but by how it treats those who build and sustain the city.
