In the last few weeks, the temperatures in Delhi have risen to record-setting levels. The India Meteorological Department had forecast heatwaves in various regions of Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. Orange alert has been issued in some part of Uttar Pradesh as the mercury touched 49 degrees Celsius.
The day-to-day life continues as people could be seen going to work, tourists visiting historical sites, and the market bustling with shoppers.
The photographers at India Gate start their work everyday at around 10 am and continue till 7 pm, earning Rs 400-500 per day.
Even in this blistering heat, the work for Central Vista project continues. Labourers, guards, gardeners, and officials can be seen working around the area.
Sunil Kumar, 25, one of the workers on the Central Vista project, says that he has been working for two months, in 12-hour shifts. Though it is tough to handle the heat, he has no choice. Kumar, from Allahabad, earns only Rs 12,000 per month.
Mandir Singh, who is a section officer of Shram Shakti Bhawan (Ministry of Labour and Employment) says that even though they are aware of the plight of the workers who are working in this heat, all are under the system.
Marak Singh, one of the security guards of Babu Jagjivan Ram National Foundation, who works on the 10 am to 2 pm shift every day, said that the heat is gradually becoming unbearable for him.
Red Fort area sees more crowd than India Gate or any other tourist spot in Delhi. The free water service has given some relief to the visitors. But the dust storms keep worsening the situation.
Two busy shopping spots of Delhi, Sarojini Nagar and Connaught place, were crowded as usual.
One of the NDMC workers, Ajay, who looks after one of the parking areas of Connaught Place, says he works all day, and more often than not, he has to work post midnight, till all the cars are cleared.
Sanjay Kumar from Shakti Nagar, who runs an Ola auto as well as a metered auto, works for 12 hours. He carries two bottles of cold water every day and offers them to passengers as well.
Due to increase in global warming, the heatwave will continue to rise. Every year, Delhi and other North Indian states, face such humidity. Even though no one can be expected to get used to such heat, they'll do what they know best – survive.
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