India, June 11 -- Intense heat is now the new normal for summers in the national capital. As mercury soars to hit new records, despite the relief provided by occasional showers, the roads and the concrete worsen the experience by trapping heat. Yet, while some of us can find respite indoors with access to air-conditioning, or avoid stepping out at noon, millions in India do not have such recourse. Daily wage workers, sanitation workers, street vendors, delivery workers, construction labourers, and informal workers cannot afford to avoid work just because it is too hot outside. Heat, for them, is not merely an inconvenience, it is an occupational hazard.

Heat is not experienced equally by all everywhere. Urban heat is exposing the deep in...