Rising Heat Waves Threaten Livelihoods of Women Street Vendors in Manipur

Imphal: Manipur is experiencing a significant shift in climate as rising temperatures disrupt daily life and place intense pressure on the state's most vulnerable populations. While the region previously enjoyed a temperate climate, factors like urban expansion, deforestation, and carbon emissions have triggered a noticeable warming trend that threatens those working outdoors.

Women street vendors, who often support their families through long hours on the street, are feeling the brunt of this environmental change. Khwairakpam Roma, a 40-year-old dry fish seller from Thanga Ithing, commutes daily to Imphal to work near the Khwairamband Ima Market. She spends her entire day exposed to the sun with minimal protection, which has led to increased exhaustion, dizziness, and frequent fainting spells.

Economic challenges compound these physical hardships for workers like Roma and 59-year-old vegetable vendor Thounaojam Premila. Vendors are struggling with rising transportation and living costs alongside a drop in customer footfall caused by the growth of online retail. With daily expenses often reaching ₹400 and earnings remaining inconsistent, these women have little financial safety net to fall back on.

For many of these vendors, stepping away from work to seek shade or rest is not a viable option. The necessity of earning a daily wage forces them to endure extreme conditions, turning a basic livelihood into a recurring health crisis.