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The worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR, coupled with stringent restrictions under GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan), has severely impacted businesses, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 2,500 crore over the past month, according to the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI).
In a statement, CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal and President Subhash Khandelwal said that the ban on commercial and light vehicles, along with a significant reduction in vehicles entering Delhi from outside, has crippled trade, industry, and tourism. "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," Goyal stated. Before the pollution spike, approximately 3-4 lakh people from NCR visited Delhi daily for shopping, the CTI claimed. However, this number has now plummeted to around 1 lakh. The statement also noted that local shoppers are increasingly opting for online purchases instead of visiting markets, further exacerbating business losses. "Due to this, Delhi's businesses are suffering losses of about Rs 100 crore every day. Over the past month, these losses have accumulated to an estimated Rs 2,500 crore," the statement said. Goyal also highlighted the adverse impact on the wedding and tourism season, noting that more than 200 events have been postponed. "People from outside Delhi are hesitant to organise events here due to the toxic air," he said. CTI General Secretary Gurmeet Arora and Senior Vice President Deepak Garg pointed out that the ban on construction work has delayed projects and raised concerns over cost escalation. "Workers are also facing significant livelihood challenges," they added. With losses mounting at Rs 100 crore per day, traders are urging authorities to address the pollution crisis urgently to prevent further economic damage. Delhi experienced eight 'severe' air quality days this month, including two 'severe-plus' days, as pollution levels surged due to a lack of rainfall, regional and local emissions, and unfavourable weather conditions. The lowest AQI recorded was 303, categorised as 'very poor,' while November 18 registered a staggering AQI of 494, making it the second most polluted day on record. Additionally, ten days recorded AQI levels above 390, reflecting consistently hazardous conditions. (ANI)
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