Heatwave grips region, no respite for labourers, farmers

The intense heat wave has thrown life out of gear in the region, with roads deserted during the afternoon as people try to stay indoors to escape the blistering sun. However, for farmers and labourers working in the fields, there is no respite as the paddy transplantation season is in full swing.

“It’s like working in a furnace. The sun beats down relentlessly, making every step feel like a struggle. Working in 40-degree Celsius heat is unbearable, but we have no choice but to push through,” said Sarabjit Singh, a labourer working in the fields for over a decade.

Paddy transplantation is a labour-intensive process that requires workers to bend, kneel and wade through muddy fields for hours on end. The scorching heat only adds to the physical toll, making every movement feel like a chore. “Transplanting paddy seedlings is backbreaking work, even on a normal day,” said Surinder Singh, a farmer who owns a small plot of land. But in this heat, it is like torture as the sun drains our energy and the muddy fields make every step a slippery slope, he added. “Despite the challenges, we have to keep going to ensure a good harvest,” he summed up.

The labourers echoed similar sentiments, with many complaining of headache, fatigue and dehydration. “We start work early in the morning, but even the morning sun is unforgiving. By the time the day wears on, we are exhausted. Still, we cannot afford to take a break as every plant counts, and every day’s delay can affect our earnings,” said Narinder Singh, another farmer.

Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. The situation is expected to remain grim until the monsoon brings some relief.