Include migrants in climate policy

Kerala has been experiencing erratic weather patterns, with an early heatwave in February and heavy rainfall later, all emerging signals of climate change. According to the Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change (KSAPCC), average temperatures could see a 1°C-2°C rise by 2050, under moderate to heavy emissions.

The impacts of climate events, however, are never evenly experienced. Climate vulnerability depends on a person’s socio-economic conditions and adaptive capacity. Kerala’s migrant workers (estimated to number 28 lakh-31 lakh, according to the Kerala State Planning Board or KSPB) are among the most affected.

The Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID) estimates that about 35 lakh migrant workers contribute ₹32,000 crore annually to local income through labour, rent, food, and other expenses. A 2020 CMID study of nearly 400 migrants found that most work in construction (48.6%) and plywood manufacturing (27.2%) — jobs involving prolonged exposure to heat. Many reported being denied rest breaks and clean toilets, forcing the workers, espcially women, to limit water intake. This leads to dehydration, fatigue, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.

The harshest heat is endured at home. Migrant housing is often cramped, poorly ventilated, and dilapidated, designed for profit rather than liveability. Multiple families share small houses; even stairwells and terraces are converted into makeshift homes. These spaces trap heat, making sleep difficult. During monsoon, they leak and flood. Housing conditions are worsened by the lack of clean water, waste collection, and functional toilets. Migrants pay inflated rents and high prices for essentials, while stagnant wages leave little savings to recover from climate shocks. An Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) study found that some landlords monitor tenants, restrict visitors, or prohibit cooking native foods, stifling community networks that could build resilience in new environments.

Kerala has shown inclusive intent and response during emergencies. During COVID-19, it was among the first States to set up relief camps, health services, distribute food for migrants, and ensure multilingual communication through pamphlets and alerts.

The State has also adopted a progressive approach to migrant welfare. The Interstate Migrant Workers Welfare Scheme, Aawaz, and Apna Ghar provide social security, healthcare, and housing. Educational initiatives such as Roshni and Jyothi support migrant children’s schooling and integration. Yet, from a climate perspective, interventions are inadequate. An IIHS review found that most social support interventions are climate-blind, while climate interventions are migrant-blind.

The KSAPCC, though one of India’s strongest, does not mention migrants. State guidelines advise against outdoor labour during peak afternoon hours, but enforcement is inconsistent. During the 2018 floods, many migrants were told to return home rather than being sheltered in relief camps. Some received free tickets, but others had to travel through flooded routes. For those who were moved to relief camps, instances of segregation were also reported. This reveals gaps in addressing migrant workers’ climate vulnerability.

Building inclusive climate resilience requires coordinated action of government, employers, and communities. Local governments must enforce rental housing standards that ensure heat-resilient materials, ventilation, and basic services. They should profile migrant settlements to identify infrastructure and service gaps for integration into local development plans. Mandatory rental registration and inspections can ensure compliance, while subsidies may encourage owners to upgrade housing. Community campaigns can promote dignified living conditions. The Labour Department must enforce the 12-3 p.m. summer work break through inspections and penalties, and ensure access to drinking water, rest areas, and gender-segregated toilets at worksites, with protections against wage cuts or job loss. Disaster Management Authorities should deliver multilingual alerts, initiate outreach through trusted community channels, and include migrants in relief planning. The KSPB should include migrant perspectives in shaping climate policy.

Aysha Jennath and Sofia Juliet Rajan are researchers at IIHS, Bengaluru