Delhi's Toxic Air: A Job Killer For Gig Workers

January 25, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

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Delhi, infamous for its dire air quality, recorded an average AQI of 204 in recent months, classified as "very unhealthy". The city’s smog problem, driven by traffic, industrial emissions, and stubble burning, leaves millions vulnerable to respiratory and chronic illnesses. Outdoor workers, especially gig workers like food delivery riders, are among the most affected. Read on!

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Delhi’s Toxic Air Is Forcing Gig Workers To Quit

Navigating toxic air, job & health: 28-year-old Amir Ahmed Khan’s journey into the gig economy began with Zomato, later transitioning to Swiggy. Riding his newly purchased two-wheeler, he spent 8-10 hours a day covering hundreds of kilometers to deliver food. “Initially, things were fine,” he recalled. “I delivered 30-40 parcels daily and earned a decent income.” But the relentless grind, coupled with Delhi’s worsening air quality, soon took a toll. By August, when pollution levels began their seasonal rise, Amir started experiencing constant chest pain, burning eyes, and splitting headaches. 

Amir now works as a salesman at a neighbourhood kirana store. The job is far less taxing than his previous role as a food delivery rider, which had left his health in tatters.

No protective gears: While workers like Amir grapple with health issues, companies often remain indifferent. Mohammad Kaif, a representative for Swiggy delivery agents, explained that despite numerous complaints, companies fail to address health concerns. “There’s always someone ready to replace us, so they don’t care,” he told Decode’s Aatif Ammad. 

Company says: Zomato told Decode that their initiatives like the ‘Shelters Project,’ which provides rest points with drinking water and clean washrooms are to help the gig workers. The company also said that they offer limited insurance and distribute seasonal gear, including winter jackets and dry-fit t-shirts. However, delivery agents paint a different picture.

LAW, JUSTICE ET AL

Why Did the Kolkata Court Not Award Death Penalty In The RG Kar Case

Against public sentiment: A Kolkata sessions court’s 20 January decision sentencing Sanjay Roy to life in prison for the August 2024 rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College was met with great dismay and disappointment. The court’s verdict went against popular public sentiment that sought the death penalty for Roy. 

“If this is not the rarest of the rare, then which one is?” the victim’s parents asked. 

So, why did the court not give the capital punishment? Read Ritika Jain’s story to find out.

'FAKE NEWS’ YOU ALMOST FELL FOR

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🔍 A screenshot of a cropped news article by Live Law, a legal news portal, was shared with a false claim that the Supreme Court in a recent order said that all properties owned by the Waqf Board are illegal. 🔗 Ritika Jain ↗️ debunked the claim.

🔍 Several posts on social media claimed that cheques written in black ink will no longer be accepted by Indian banks for "enhancing security features" and "preventing fraudulent activities". This claim is being attributed to the statement of a spokesperson for the Reserve Bank of India, in an article written by the Times of India. But, is this true? Find out in 🔗 Archis Chowdhury’s ↗️ fact-check.

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