Help 1500+ Brick Kiln Workers In Uttar Pradesh Fight The Heatwave

The relentless sun beats down on Uttar Pradesh and North India, turning brick kilns into infernos. Every breath is a struggle for thousands of women and men who toil there. With their young children strapped to their backs, they face a brutal choice: endure the scorching heat to earn a living or risk their families' well-being. This summer's heatwave has intensified their plight, making even basic survival a challenge. 

Imagine working long hours under a merciless sun, with temperatures soaring past 45°C 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for several states in North India, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, warning of severe heatwave conditions with temperatures reaching up to 46°C. Hospitals have reported a surge in cases of heatstroke and dehydration, particularly among vulnerable populations like daily wage laborers who work outdoors.

Amidst this, the harsh realities faced by the brick kiln workers in Uttar Pradesh, especially the women are heartbreaking. Many are migrants, forced to leave their families behind in search of work. 

“For every 2,000 bricks they make, they earn a meagre 300 rupees. This backbreaking labor takes a significant amount of time, with tasks like soaking clay overnight adding to their already long days. To add to this, brick-making is seasonal work, leaving them with no income for much of the year and forcing them to work doubly hard during the summers,” - explains Divyanshu Upadhyay, Hope Welfare Trust

They live in cramped quarters, often lacking proper ventilation or cooling. Their working conditions are brutal - the kiln temperatures can reach up to 150°C, creating an unbearable environment. The workers are exposed to dust, and fumes, and are at constant risk of heatstroke. Access to clean drinking water is limited, and dehydration is a constant threat, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and even organ failure. They walk miles barefoot in this heat - their feet are covered in sores and blisters but they can’t afford slippers. Hope Welfare Trust is working hard to change that. 

The organisation began in September 2015 in Varanasi as a student-led movement dedicated to empowering rural women and fostering sustainable development in Indian villages. They recognise the crucial role women play in rural communities and work hand-in-hand with them to create positive, lasting change.

“These workers can barely afford to put food on their plates. Most days, their meals consist solely of rice, salt, and the starchy water left over from cooking. If they get lucky, they have dal once in a week. They need the strength to work but their diet is barely enough to survive.” 

How you can help 

With your support, Hope Welfare Trust can provide essential items like groceries, slippers, water bottles, and umbrellas to over 1500 brick kiln workers. Every contribution, big or small, can bring relief to a mother struggling under the scorching sun, and ensure the safety of her child. It can empower these workers to endure the harsh conditions and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. Donate today and make a difference!

About the NGO: Driven by a vision of empowering rural communities, Hope Welfare Trust, founded in 2015 by passionate youngsters, works tirelessly to improve the lives of those most vulnerable in India's villages. Their focus lies on empowering women, a crucial force for positive change, through comprehensive programs in health, education, and livelihood opportunities. Hope Welfare Trust's dedication to sustainable development ensures lasting positive impacts for rural communities across India.