Story perspectives

Delhi Heat Forces Low-Wage Workers to Cut Shifts, Risk Health

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scorching summer heat in New Delhi forces low-wage workers to choose between income and health.
Auto-rickshaw driver Sunil Rastogi must cut 12-hour shifts or risk worsening his heart condition as temperatures exceed 100 °F.
The Center for Science and Environment says ground surfaces can hit 140 °F, softening tarmac and blistering barefoot laborers' feet.
Rastogi’s need for heart surgery underscores the city’s lack of healthcare and paid sick leave for informal workers.

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Story summary

Scorching summer heat in New Delhi forces low-wage workers to choose between income and health.
Auto-rickshaw driver Sunil Rastogi must cut 12-hour shifts or risk worsening his heart condition as temperatures exceed 100 °F.
The Center for Science and Environment says ground surfaces can hit 140 °F, softening tarmac and blistering barefoot laborers' feet.
Rastogi’s need for heart surgery underscores the city’s lack of healthcare and paid sick leave for informal workers.