The debate over halting construction and mining between 12 PM and 3 PM has gained momentum in New Delhi as the country records soaring temperatures. Such a break could protect hundreds of thousands of outdoor labourers from deadly heat stress. But why is there no national law yet? India’s labour laws currently lack any mandatory clause to protect workers from extreme midday heat.
In May last year, Delhi’s lieutenant governor ordered a paid break for government construction labourers from 12 PM to 3 PM during heat waves. That directive came after temperatures hit 50 °C in parts of the city.
A recent Times of India survey found that many projects still fail to provide shade, water, or rest during those hours. At private sites in Burari and Chand Bagh, workers say they only get an hour‑long lunch break.
Banwari Singh, 40, described heat so intense that safety gear became useless.
Gurugram followed Delhi’s lead and issued a three‑hour break order for government labourers last summer. The move was prompted by temperatures above 46 °C and warnings from the India Meteorological Department.
Experts say piecemeal state orders are not enough. Without a federal standard, enforcement varies widely. The pause debate extends to offshore sand and mineral mining along India’s coasts. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded cancellation of recent offshore mining tenders, citing threats to marine life and fisherfolk livelihoods. Fisher groups in Kerala have held strikes and state assemblies passed resolutions opposing the federal plan. The Union environment minister has promised to address these concerns in environmental management plans. But why are these plans not public yet? Why wait until blocks are auctioned?
Critics warn that halting operations will hit productivity. The ILO estimates up to 5 % of working hours in South Asia could be lost annually to heat stress by 2030. Yet the cost of inaction could be higher in medical bills and accident claims.
An informed pause could save lives without wrecking the economy. Failure to act may lead to more heat‑related deaths, legal challenges, and international scrutiny of India’s labour rights.
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