Thoothukudi, April 29 -- Amid the severe heat, salt pan workers have been forced to begin their shifts as early as 1 am to avoid the peak afternoon hours in Thoothukudi.

Speaking to ANI, salt pan worker Kala said, "We are salt pan workers. We work from 1 am to 8 am. There are no basic toilet facilities. Despite the hard labour, we receive only minimum wages. The government should provide us with an incentive allowance."

Sathyabama, another salt pan worker, said that crews are forced to work from 1 am to 8 am to endure the heat, yet they still face a lack of basic toilet facilities and safe drinking water.

"Due to the intense heat, we start work as early as 1 am and continue until 8 am. Both men and women work here. However, there are n...