Heat Stress Costs Indian Workers Billions in Lost Wages Annually
Heat Stress Costs Indian Workers Billions in Lost Wages Annually
IN · Published Oct 15, 2026
• A study by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) highlights the severe economic and health impacts of extreme heat on informal workers in India.
• Surveys conducted among 538 households in Ajmer, Delhi, and Agra reveal that outdoor workers lose an average of 24 workdays annually due to heat, resulting in a loss of approximately $151 (₹12,600) per worker.

Impact & Risks

Extreme heat disproportionately affects informal workers, who make up nearly 90% of India's workforce. Many of these workers are rural migrants with limited resources, making them particularly vulnerable. Health impacts are also significant, with nearly 20% of workers reporting symptoms of kidney injury due to dehydration and strenuous labour. Chronic kidney disease could lead to an additional 4.5 billion lost workdays annually, costing $23 billion in wages.

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