Indian Construction Workers Deserve Better Introduction India’s construction industry is the 3rd largest sector in terms of the number of employees from the total workforce. In 2023, 13% of Indias workforce was engaged in the construction industry, creating livelihoods for over 7.1 crore workers. Additionally, this number is expected to reach over 10 crore by the year 2030, according to a Knight Frank-RICS report. Hence, its evident that this industry is leading force in economic growth and infrastructure. However, despite the immense contribution they make, their contributions are not accounted for in pay, or in protection. While flyovers, roads and buildings of this marvellous era rise on the Indian landscape, the workers whose hands build these receive unsafe working conditions, negligible wages and social apathy in return. Isn’t it time for India to realise that it’s construction workers should be treated with dignity – not just in words, but in concrete and effectful changes.  1. Wage Inequality Indian construction workers are often met with alarmingly low wages varying from a daily wage for unskilled construction workers at ₹300-₹500 and ₹700–₹1,000 for skilled laborers. This is despite the fact that the Indian Labour Conference’s minimum recommended daily wage is ₹692. Additionally, these wages feel to meet with inflation, leading to widening economical gaps between the rich and the poor, often leaving the poor with economic instability and insufficiency for them and their dependants. It is also found that most of the times, overtime pay is not given to workers despite long work hours and hard work. Clearly, their physical labour is not compensated for at these wages.  2. Dangerous Working Conditions Nearly 24% of all work-related injuries happen in the construction sector – making it the most dangerous industry in India. Some common ones are falls from heights, electrocutions, debri drops, machinery accidents, heat stress, musculoskeletal traumas and more. A large number of these accidents could have been mitigated by employing simple safety precautions and gear, which is usually not done to cut down on costs and increase profit. This results in an ironic situation where the workers who build us safe homes, offices, and buildings are often not safeguarded when doing so due to us.  3. Lack of Social Security Construction workers in India work on a casual, contract basis which does not offer any social or work security. The workforce at every site keeps changing, leading to absolutely no job protection. Additionally, there is no social security benefits like access to healthcare, pension, retirement benefits leading to more financial burden and making these workers economically vulnerable. 4. Exploitative Practices Due to the lack of regulation and representation, construction workers are seen to be exploited in same cases. It is seen that contracts withhold or underpay workers which trap them in debt cycles and further reinforces them to accept these low wages to repay loans. Labourers are unable to complain about this exploitation due to their socio-economic status. This results in a workforce which is left voiceless and powerless despite their massive contributions to our lives. Remedies Despite the common beliefs, bettering the lifes of construction workers does not require large financial expenditures. It rather needs better policies, enforcement and responsibility. Conclusion: Valuing Those Who Build the Nation Quite literally, construction workers carry the country’s process on their backs by leading our infrastructure and development. However, in India’s environment their work is often overlooked. It’s time to address this imbalance through remedies without breaking the bank. True Developemtn is not only about building sky scrapers but also about ensuring good lifes for the hands that built them.

Construction is one of the large causes of waste and pollution in the world. It leaves a singificant carbon footprint, from the extraction of raw material to the trash left over after demolition, leading to environmental stress. According to the BBC, 30% of the waste and 40% of the carbon emmisions in the world is due to construction sites. However, it is possible to cut waste, preserve our resources, and advance long-term sustainability by implementing smarter, greener processes.  Construction companies can become more sustainable in the following 5 ways :  1. Use of Recycled and Sustainable Materials Cement, steel, and plastic are input materials used extensively in construction that need intensive mining and processing. Businesses can greatly lessen their influence on the environment by converting to sustainable and recyclable alternatives. Alternatives: This could impact in a utilisation of recycled material aiding in lowering carbon emissions associated with waste and manufacture.   2. Increase Energy Efficiency on Construction Sites Gigantic amounts of energy are consumed on construction sites for everything from powering temporary buildings to running heavy equipment. Firms can minimize carbon emissions and fuel bills by usingenergy-efficient techniques. Environmentally friendly energy approaches: Besides saving money, greater energy efficiency also makes construction sites cheaper and greener. 3. Save Water with Smarter Methods Building construction sites tend to consume huge quantities of water, putting surrounding resources under strain. Companies can significantlyreduce wastage by adopting water-saving practices. Water conservation practices: Water conservation prevents unnecessary drainage of nearby water resources and minimizes utility costs. 4. Minimize and Manage Waste Responsibly Construction sites generate substantial amounts of waste, and most of this rubbish goes into landfills. Companies can reduce disposal expensesand promote a circular economy by focusing on trash reduction and management. Waste management strategies: This could impact in businesses lower pollution and waste-related costs by preventing materials from ending up in landfills. 5. Striving for Sustainable Construction  Green buildings use sustainable construction methods, which are better for the environment and highly cost-effective. The methodsproduce healthier, greener constructions while also reducing emissions. Green building methods: Energy use, emissions, and indoor air quality are all minimized throughsustainable building design. Conclusion Construction firms can reduce their carbon footprint and increase productivity and save money by implementing these five sustainable practices. Sustainability is not a fad but a business imperative in thecurrent world. Firms that prioritize cleaner practices will not only save the earth but also boost their reputation, draw green-conscious customers, and make more money.