The escalating air pollution in Delhi-NCR is combined with the strict measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4). For this reason it has caused significant disruption to businesses, leading to a loss in Delhi’s economy. As per the reports of Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), the restrictions has lead to an estimated loss of Rs 2,500 crore over the past month. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal and President Subhash Khandelwal highlighted that restriction on commercial and light vehicles. Though this has reduced traffic flow from outside Delhi, but on […]
Delhi's Business Suffers Rs 2,500-crore Amid Restrictions Due To Severe Pollution
The escalating air pollution in Delhi-NCR is combined with the strict measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4). For this reason it has caused significant disruption to businesses, leading to a loss in Delhi’s economy. As per the reports of Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), the restrictions has lead to an estimated loss of Rs 2,500 crore over the past month.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal and President Subhash Khandelwal highlighted that restriction on commercial and light vehicles. Though this has reduced traffic flow from outside Delhi, but on the other hand it has severely impacted upon trade, industry, and tourism as well.
Brijesh Goyal gave a statement saying that, “”Retail markets in Delhi are witnessing a slump as the city’s air quality has plunged into the ‘severe’ category. News about pollution, widely disseminated through TV, newspapers, and social media, is deterring people from visiting markets”
Moreover it is seen that before the pollution spike, around 3-4 lakh people from the National Capital Region (NCR) would visit Delhi for shopping daily. However, after the implantation of restrictions this figure has dropped to around 1 lakh. Additionally, local shoppers now prefer online shopping. This is leading to the worsening situation for physical businesses.
Read More: Delhi Air Quality Improves Slightly But Experts Warn Of A Hindrance
As a result, businesses in Delhi are losing approximately Rs 100 crore every day which is directly affection Delhi’s economy. Over the past month, these losses have accumulated to a staggering Rs 2,500 crore.
No just local markets, wedding and tourism sectors have also been adversely affected. Because of these strict restrictions over 200 events have already been postponed. The hazardous air quality has made people hesitant to host events in the city.
CTI General Secretary Gurmeet Arora and Senior Vice President Deepak Garg pointed out that the construction work ban has delayed the on-going projects and caused concerns about rising costs. The restriction has also led to livelihood issues for workers in the construction sector.
As business losses continue to mount, with daily losses reaching Rs 100 crore, traders are urging the authorities to urgently address the pollution crisis to mitigate further economic damage.
Read More: Delhi Air Pollution: AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Levels, Air Quality Remains Dangerous
Delhi has experienced eight days of ‘severe’ air quality this month. This includes two ‘severe-plus’ category days. Pollution levels are soaring due to factors such as a lack of rainfall, regional emissions, and unfavourable weather conditions.
Whereas the lowest AQI recorded were 303, which were categorized as ‘very poor.’ While November 18th saw a staggering AQI of 494, the second most polluted day on record. In total, ten days recorded AQI levels above 390, indicating consistently hazardous air quality.
