Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh: Climate change is now posing a threat to the centuries-old tradition of glass bangle-making in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. With rising temperatures exacerbating the already difficult working conditions, thousands of artisans are facing multiple health issues.
The scorching heat from furnaces, combined with the effects of climate change, is impacting the future of the Rs 1,000 crore industry that employs five lakh people. Workers like Aastha Dev, who have been in the industry for generations, are now being hospitalized due to dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
The lack of proper ventilation and cooling systems in the small-scale bangle factories has made the situation dire for workers, especially women who form a significant part of the workforce. The rising temperatures, attributed to climate change and the El Nino phenomenon, are making it increasingly difficult for the workers to cope.
Health experts have warned of long-term health implications for the workers, with cases of heat stroke, dehydration, and respiratory issues on the rise. While some factory owners are trying basic cooling solutions, the need for government support and better heat management strategies is becoming increasingly evident.
Recent studies have highlighted the impact of climate change on traditional industries like Firozabad’s glass industry, with projections of significant productivity losses and job cuts due to global warming by 2030.
As India battles intense heatwaves, the plight of the glass workers in Firozabad serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable workers in the face of climate change.
Published 19 June 2024, 08:31 IST