Chennai enhances climate resilience program for street vendors

Street vendors face significant challenges due to climate change. To help them cope, the Chennai Resilience Centre (CRC) is working with government agencies and local residents. Together, they aim to create solutions that address the difficulties street vendors encounter during extreme weather events. The CRC has teamed up with the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Urban Livelihoods Mission for a new program called "The Neighbourhood Small Business Climate Resilience Programme." This program will take place in Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, and Kasturba Nagar. Krishna Mohan, the Chief Resilience Officer at CRC, stated that the initiative will focus on redesigning vendors' shops and carts using materials that withstand harsh weather. The plan includes building climate-resilient kiosks, using solar panels to power fans, and setting up water stations. Discussions have already begun with local groups, including women's self-help groups, to gather input on these ideas. V. Mageshvaran, from the National Association of Street Vendors of India, highlighted the need for additional support like umbrellas, drinking water, and toilets for vendors during extreme weather. Mageshvaran also suggested that the government should provide compensation for vendors who lose income and offer medical assistance for health issues. The CRC aims not only to improve physical infrastructure but also to promote awareness about heat risks and waste management. The program plans to expand its reach throughout the city to enhance the overall resilience of street vendors.