Pollution takes a toll: Delhi businesses bleed Rs 100 crore daily as smog chokes city
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR is now taking a toll not only on people's health but also on businesses. Air quality has reached the "severe" category, and this is having a direct impact on Delhi's retail markets. People are now hesitant to shop, causing increased concern among traders.
Brijesh Goyal, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this serious situation. He has demanded an emergency meeting with the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to control pollution. Brijesh Goyal said that due to pollution in Delhi-NCR, the number of customers in the markets has reduced drastically. Earlier, where 3 to 4 lakh people from NCR used to come to Delhi for shopping every day, now their number has reduced to about 1 lakh. Due to pollution, people are scared, especially those suffering from respiratory problems do not want to leave their homes.
They pointed out that this is the wedding season, when markets are bustling with activity. However, this time, shops are deserted. Customers aren't coming. Doctors are seeing a growing number of patients with respiratory and lung problems. Pollution is costing Delhi's businesses approximately ₹100 crore per day. CTI General Secretary Gurmeet Arora and Senior Vice President Deepak Garg said that this problem isn't just Delhi's, but the entire NCR. The air quality is extremely poor in Noida, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat.
He said, "The Delhi government is trying its best, but it's not just within its power. Unless Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi come together, a solution won't be found." CTI Vice Presidents Rajesh Khanna and Rahul Adalkhah appealed to the central government to work with the states to take concrete and strict measures against air pollution, otherwise businesses will suffer huge losses. They said that Delhi's 2 million traders are fully behind the government. If the government wishes, a rule can be implemented to open markets at different times. Traders are ready to provide full cooperation.