Delhi Protests Cost Traders Rs 3,000 Crore: CTI
Delhi traders lost about Rs 3,000 crore to protests in October during peak festive season, says CTI, warning losses may cross Rs 10,000 crore by Diwali.
Key Highlights
- Rs 3,000 crore hit: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) estimates that Delhi businesses have lost about Rs 3,000 crore due to protests this month.
- Retail worst hit: Retail accounts for around Rs 1,800 crore of the losses, affecting more than 700 markets across Delhi.
- Wholesale and supply chain disruption: About 3-4 lakh wholesale buyers from neighbouring cities stayed away, while truck movement halted, leaving festive stock stuck in warehouses.
- Rs 10,000 crore warning: CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said losses could cross Rs 10,000 crore by Diwali if protests continue every week.
- Key demands: CTI sought a ban on protests in Central Delhi, New Delhi and Lutyens’ Zone till Diwali, protest zones in outer Delhi, and a relief package for traders.
For Delhi’s traders, October is meant to be the most rewarding month of the year. Instead, the peak Navratri and Diwali shopping season has been hit by repeated disruptions. According to traders’ body Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), continuous protests in the national capital have cost businesses about Rs 3,000 crore so far this month, with road closures also disrupting supply chains.
How the Losses Added Up
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal broke down the impact. “The first protest on October 10 caused a loss of Rs 2,000 crore and the blockade, metro closure and Central Park closure in Central Delhi between October 13 and 16 caused an additional loss of Rs 1,000 crore,” he said.
The disruptions come amid a series of demonstrations in the capital this month. Ahead of the October 10 protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party, Delhi Police had proposed closing 57 metro stations. Later, the NDMC shut Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons.
