Hyderabad: The intensifying summer heat is not only triggering a rise in heat-related illnesses but is also severely impacting residents of urban slums and informal settlements in Hyderabad. A recent survey conducted by the Hyderabad-based non-profit Helping Hand Foundation (HHF), which collaborates with the Telangana health department in government hospitals, covered 15 to 20 urban settlements across the city.
Survey Highlights Widespread Impact
The survey included more than 1,000 respondents, predominantly migrant laborers living in areas such as Kalapathar, Shaheen Nagar, Hasan Nagar, Pahadi Shareef, Jalpally, Kishanbagh, Chintalmet, MM Pahadi, and other low-income colonies on the city's outskirts. Telangana is currently experiencing intense summer conditions, with heatwave warnings issued across all 33 districts and temperatures regularly exceeding 43°C to 45°C. Several northern districts have already recorded temperatures touching 46°C by mid-May.
Key Findings: Sleep, Mental Health, and Productivity
The findings revealed widespread sleep deprivation, anxiety, emotional distress, productivity loss, and wage reduction linked to prolonged heat exposure during April and May. More than 80% of respondents reported disturbed sleep during hot nights, with many stating they felt tired, irritated, and unable to concentrate during the day. Only 9% said they could sleep normally during summer. Nearly 70% indicated that the heat sometimes affected their mood and behavior, while 25% reported frequent stress and emotional discomfort due to rising temperatures.
Economic Impact on Livelihoods
The heat also severely affected livelihoods, with over 90% of respondents reporting a drop in productivity during hot weather. Many workers struggled to complete physically demanding tasks, with average productivity rated at just 5.5 out of 10. The survey highlighted that poor housing conditions exacerbated the problem, as most respondents lived in semi-pucca homes with tin roofs that trap heat indoors. Most families relied only on fans, and very few had access to air conditioning.
Additional Stress Factors
Water shortages, lack of shade, frequent power cuts, and poor ventilation were identified as major factors intensifying heat stress in these communities. Mujtaba Hasan Askari from HHF stated, “Informal workers, who make up nearly 90% of the workforce, bear the highest burden of heat exposure while also suffering the greatest income losses. The government’s heat action plan should address housing, workplace safety, and community infrastructure in vulnerable urban settlements.”
This survey underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable populations from the escalating impacts of extreme heat.
