An acrid survival tale from a scorching summer in Rajasthan

An acrid survival tale: Uzman and other salt miners in Phalodi work in intense heat, taking risks and jeopardizing their health in the process, all without much assistance or safety precautions.

An acrid survival tale: Even though it is 8 a.m., two hours after sunlight, Uzman Khan,40, moves with a habitual nervousness. To begin with, he merely puts his toe into the glistening saltwater in front of him. He pulls back fast because the water is scorching and his wrinkled feet are hurting. However, he has been doing this for the past 20 years. He inhales deeply, walks into the ankle-deep water, and then stays motionless for a short while as his body gets used to the intense heat. Then, moving more swiftly and urgently, he starts to shovel salt that is beneath the water, salt that feeds families like his, salt that keeps Phalodi afloat. He does this with a spade in hand.