Chennai Workers Battle Heat Without Water or Toilets

Chennai endures record-breaking summer temperatures, a silent workforce that keeps the city clean is being pushed to its limits without access to even the most basic human necessities.

Thousands of conservancy workers employed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) continue their daily duties under punishing heat with minimal access to potable water, sanitation, or shelter, raising pressing questions about the city’s commitment to equitable and sustainable urban development. Despite being the backbone of municipal cleanliness, these workers—most of whom are women and employed under contract through national urban missions face deplorable working conditions. They report starting their shifts as early as 7 a.m., working until 2 p.m. without guaranteed access to drinking water or functioning toilets. The summer sun exacerbates their hardship, often causing dehydration and fatigue before the day ends.

An official from a city-wide conservancy union stated that although public empathy towards sanitation workers has grown over time, there has been little governmental progress in terms of infrastructure or support. “In some areas, there are no shaded rest areas or water dispensers for workers,” the official said. “Women, in particular, face difficulties during menstruation due to the lack of hygienic toilet facilities. This has been raised repeatedly with the authorities.” Conditions vary widely across the city’s 15 zones. While some divisional offices allow workers to fill water bottles before heading out, others restrict access, reserving drinking water exclusively for senior staff. In many localities, workers must rely on the goodwill of residents for shade or hydration—an unpredictable and unsustainable solution in the face of rising heatwaves.

Contractual workers employed under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) say their plight is worsened by restrictions placed by private waste management firms. “In areas managed by private contractors, workers are not allowed to request food or water from residents,” a GCC source confirmed. “This policy leaves many relying on roadside eateries, where meals are consumed sitting on dusty pavements without shade.” To make matters worse, public toilets meant for staff are often locked after hours, especially in zones like Teynampet and Kodambakkam, reportedly to prevent loitering. However, this disproportionately affects workers on late shifts or those who need emergency access. In some instances, residential buildings have denied sanitation workers access to their facilities altogether.

In an attempt to respond to these growing concerns, a senior GCC official stated that plans are underway to set up dedicated sanitation blocks at all division offices. These will include separate toilets for men and women, changing rooms, and cloakrooms for storing personal belongings. Until now, such facilities were available only to executive-level engineers. The proposal for city-wide implementation is expected by the end of May. While a few zones like Vadapalani have taken independent steps—such as distributing fruits and snacks to workers—these are isolated efforts rather than institutionalised measures. Experts warn that unless such basic necessities are standardised across all zones, the city risks undermining its goals for inclusive urban governance.

The lack of basic amenities for these workers also stands in stark contrast to Chennai’s ambitions to become a more eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and sustainable metropolis. “A sustainable city is not just about infrastructure or green technology. It’s also about how equitably we treat the people who maintain that infrastructure,” said a labour policy expert affiliated with a state-run urban studies institute. Healthcare professionals have also raised concerns about long-term health impacts on sanitation workers exposed to direct sunlight and unhygienic conditions for prolonged hours. Dehydration, heatstroke, urinary infections, and chronic fatigue are becoming increasingly common, they note. With the Indian Meteorological Department predicting more intense and prolonged heatwaves, the situation could rapidly evolve into a public health emergency.

Chennai’s conservancy workforce, which ensures the city’s hygiene and waste management, is therefore caught at the crossroads of systemic neglect and environmental stress. Their struggle is not just a labour issue—it’s a test of the city’s ethical and environmental priorities. For a city aspiring towards sustainable urbanism, it is imperative that sanitation workers be included in the urban welfare equation. Ensuring access to water, toilets, and shelter is not a luxury but a necessity—one that reflects the true measure of a city’s commitment to dignity, equity, and resilience.

Chennai Workers Battle Heat Without Water or Toilets