New Delhi, 14 June – Greenpeace India, in collaboration with the National Hawkers Federation, have launched their latest report Heatwave Havoc: Investigating the Impact on Street Vendors. 

According to media reports as many as 92% of women and 90% of men in India are working in the informal sector, collectively accounting for more than 90% of the country’s workforce. With heat waves expected to become more frequent and intense over the coming years, a vast majority of India’s workforce is vulnerable to the devastating impacts of extreme heat. 

The report captures the experiences of over 700 street vendors as India grapples with one of the worst heat waves in recent years. The findings highlight the severe challenges and critical effects that extreme heat waves impose on street vendors’ livelihoods in Delhi. A team of 9 Greenpeace India volunteers worked with the National Hawkers Federation in Delhi to collect responses that were then compiled into quantitative data by researchers.  

‘Outdoor workers face serious health risks working under the scorching sun, unlike those indoors. We urge the NDMA to declare heatwaves a national disaster, ensuring proper funding for adaptation, mitigation, and relief. Currently, heat action plans are merely advisory and need funding and legal accountability. Prioritising outdoor workers is crucial. Our report outlines a policy framework to support street vendors suggesting that fossil fuel corporations, especially those global, that have historically contributed to climate damage must pay for adaptation policies. It also recommends providing essentials like water, sanitation, and cooling centres, and calls for a special fund to compensate vendors for income loss and extra expenses due to heatwaves, ensuring their safety and stability’ says Selomi Garnaik, Campaigner, Greenpeace India.

The report findings highlight that 49.27% of street vendor respondents experienced a loss of income during heatwaves, with 80.08% of them acknowledging a decline in customer numbers. 50.86% of respondents also said they face higher financial burdens due to additional household expenses, with an average extra expense of INR 4896.52 during extreme heat months. The statistics also show that women and other marginalised groups are disproportionately impacted as 7 out of 8 women street vendor respondents experienced high blood pressure, and many middle-aged women reported disruptions in their menstrual cycle due to the heat.

The Heatwave Havoc report is perhaps the first study  that sheds light on how heat waves impact street vendors in Delhi, focusing on health risks, livelihood challenges, and adaptation strategies. It highlights that 82.74% of vendors lack guidance on managing heatwaves, and 71.05% struggle to access medical help during emergencies. To address these issues, the study recommends prioritising vendors’ needs, such as installing drinking water and restroom facilities. It urges the Delhi Heat Action Plan authority to consult with vendors and other outdoor workers extensively to address their vulnerabilities effectively.’ says Manoranjan, Researcher.

The National Hawkers Federation echoed these sentiments, highlighting the immediate need for local governments and policymakers to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by street vendors.

“Data from over 700 respondents highlights 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. Recognize street vendors as Green Warriors for their near-zero carbon emissions, provide them with awareness and safety kits, and ensure institutional support for the most vulnerable.” says Sandeep Verma, Convener, National Hawker Federation Delhi.

According to the data between 1992 and 2015, heatwave and extreme temperature events caused 24,223 deaths across the country. The city of Delhi, known as one of India’s hottest cities, is particularly susceptible to the impacts of heatwaves due to its large population and a substantial number of lower-income groups. Through this report Greenpeace India is demanding that heat waves be declared a notified national disaster making way for funding and policies that can be invested towards mitigation, adaptation and resilience building measures for the community. 

Note: The event is part of the ongoing exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam, which runs from June 9th to 22nd. The exhibition, titled “Museum of Memories,” features over 50 objects and art installations that narrate powerful stories of devastation, resilience, and hope in the face of the heatwave crisis. These objects were collected from families across the country who have been gravely impacted by heatwaves and other extreme weather events.

For more information 

Selomi Garnaik 
[email protected]
7991000638

Shweta Singh
[email protected]
9691330473

Annexure I

Key highlights of the Report:

  1. Health Risks: 73.44% of street vendors experienced irritability, 66.93% report headaches, and 67.46% suffer from dehydration due to extreme heat.
  2. Income Loss: 49.27% of street vendors reported a loss of income during heatwaves, with 80.08% of them acknowledging a decline in customer numbers
  3. Increased Expenses: 50.86% of vendors faced higher financial burdens due to additional household expenses, with an average extra expense of INR 4896.52 during extreme heat months.
  4. Health Awareness: Only 68.92% of street vendors are aware of heatwaves, and a mere 9.56% know about Delhi’s Heat Action Plan.
  5. Working Conditions: Street vendors work an average of 11.84 hours per day, with 63.88% not taking breaks during heatwaves.
  6. Medical Issues: 7 out of 8 women street vendors experienced high blood pressure, and many middle-aged women reported menstrual cycle delays due to heat.
  7. Lack of Facilities: 97.6% of vendors wanted medical facilities, 95.9% needed washrooms, and 91.5% sought access to drinking water at marketplaces.
  8. Emergency Preparedness: 82.74% of street vendors have no guidance on handling heatwaves.
  9. Policy Recommendations: The report suggests declaring heatwaves as a national disaster, integrating street vendors into emergency response plans, and establishing Community Cooling Centres.
  10. Government Support: Recommendations include providing regular rations, electricity, and establishing a dedicated loss and damage fund to compensate for heat-related work loss and expenses.

Annexure II

About Greenpeace India:

Greenpeace India is a non-profit, environmental campaign organisation dedicated to promoting climate change mitigation, adaptation, and just transition. Through non-violent creative actions and campaigns, we aim to build systems that are green, inclusive, and sustainable. We are an independent organisation, fully funded by Indian individual donors, who are dedicated to the cause of climate justice. https://www.greenpeace.org/india/en

About the National Hawkers Federation:

The National Hawkers Federation is the largest national organisation representing street vendors across India, advocating for their rights and working towards inclusive urban policies that recognize their contributions to the economy and society.