The restrictions imposed to reduce the level of air pollution in Delhi-NCR have deepened the livelihood crisis of daily wage workers involved in construction activities. Daily wage workers say that they fear that with the implementation of pollution control measures, it will become difficult for them to arrange food for their children. After the air Quality Index (AQ) in the national capital crossed 450 and reached the 'severe' category, the authorities have implemented pollution control measures in delhi under the fourth phase of the Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes a ban on construction and demolition activities.
Daily wage laborer Suman (45) says, "If we sit at home, what will we eat? What will we feed our children?"
Suman, a mother of two children, recently renewed her labor card in the hope of getting government help, but she says that it did not help. suman said, "We do not have a government job that will keep us getting salary. We are dependent on daily wages, and without work we have nothing." A thick layer of smog engulfed delhi on Tuesday, with the AQI recorded at 488.
According to Baburam (63), a construction worker, he is already facing financial difficulties and the ban on construction and demolition activities has worsened his financial condition. Baburam is responsible for the maintenance of his wife, son and daughter-in-law. He also has a debt of Rs 3 lakh on his head. Baburam said, "There is no pension for people like me. Schemes like Ladli Behna are mired in corruption, middlemen take everything and we get nothing. If I do not work, my family will face a crisis of roti (food)."
The ban on construction and demolition activities has also increased the worries of Rajesh Kumar (42). According to Rajesh, his family in bihar is dependent on the money he sends home for food. Rajesh said, "I have not yet married because I have many responsibilities. I had to take a loan for my sister's marriage. I have a debt of Rs 6 lakh on my head." He said, "This happens every year. delhi is badly affected due to pollution. But instead of solving the problem, the government increases the problems for people like us."
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