In the Indian heat, Delhi workers toil in “red heat” conditions.

NEW DELHI:

Working on a highway project in one of India’s hottest regions this summer, Banwari Singh handles iron bars that, he says, often turn “red.”

Temperatures reached 47.8 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) last Sunday, among the highest recorded in India this year, in Najafgarh, an area on the outskirts of New Delhi where Singh works.

“This is one of the hottest things that’s been done in this field,” said Singh, wearing plaid pants, a half-sleeve shirt, a bright orange safety vest and a hard hat.

“But we have no choice. If we want to eat, we have to work whatever the conditions,” said the 40-year-old, resting near a pillar he is helping to build.

Northwest India is experiencing an unusually hot summer and the national weather service has predicted three times the usual number of hot days this May. Experts say climate change is adding fuel to the heat.

Delhi closed schools earlier this week as temperatures soared. Voters in India’s national election face the prospect of queuing this weekend in sweltering heat.

Also Read: Northwest India braces for more heat waves amid elections

Singh and other workers, who earn about 500 rupees to 700 rupees ($6-8.4) a day, say they fear the heat and some fall ill as a result of the hot conditions.

Water is available for workers to take regular breaks to beat the heat, and some buy cool drinks from a makeshift shop nearby.

Deputy project manager Vinay Sahani said the company provides water for workers, and sometimes lemonade, and asks workers to rest after noon when temperatures peak. Work can continue after sunset, he said.

Sumit Goswami, 21, who had to take time off this week after suffering a heat-related illness, said he has worked in hot conditions before.

“But this year it has become extreme,” he said. “However, we have to continue because we have to support the family.”