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India's city of Bengaluru races to combat heat crisis

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October 5, 2026

Bengaluru's informal workers, like drivers and street cleaners, suffer in the extreme heat. But now there is a push for water, shade, rest areas and better protections.

Rising temperatures in India's Bengaluru are making daily work increasingly difficult for some of the city’s most vulnerable workers. Rickshaw driver Paru says extreme heat causes headaches, dehydration and even collapse, while limited access to public restrooms can discourage women drivers from drinking enough water. Informal waste pickers face similar challenges, spending long hours outdoors with few places to rest or cool down. Local organizations and worker groups are calling for practical solutions, including cooling centers, access to drinking water and better public facilities. Bengaluru, a member of the global C40 climate network, is working with partners to address heat stress, raise awareness and expand urban green spaces. As the city plants thousands of trees and develops a heat action strategy, the focus is on protecting workers already feeling the effects of extreme heat and climate change.

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