Protests Disrupt Business in Delhi, Traders Claim Daily Losses of ₹100 Crore
Traders in Delhi report significant losses due to ongoing protests, claiming daily losses of ₹100 crore during the festive season.
New Delhi, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : Ongoing protests in New Delhi are taking a toll on local businesses, with traders expressing serious concerns about declining sales. Shopkeepers in areas like Khan Market, Connaught Place, and Bengali Market report that customers are avoiding these areas due to the demonstrations. This drop in foot traffic is particularly troubling during the festive season, which is critical for their annual earnings.
Sanjeev Mehta, president of the Khan Market Traders Association, noted that only a few customers are seen in the market, leading to diminished sales. He highlighted that many shops are stocked with goods but remain largely empty, creating financial strain for traders. The months of October, November, and December are crucial for business, as sales during this period help sustain families throughout the year.
Mehta criticized the timing of the protests, suggesting they are unnecessary, especially during Hindu festivals. He emphasized the adverse impact on traders’ livelihoods, stating that the situation is untenable.
Atul Bhargav, president of the New Delhi Traders Association, echoed these sentiments, claiming that businesses are facing losses of around ₹100 crore daily. The protests have affected various commercial areas, including Connaught Place, Janpath, and Palika Market. Bhargav pointed out that traders had stocked up on inventory in anticipation of the festive season, but the ongoing disruptions are causing significant financial setbacks.
He warned that if the situation does not improve, losses could escalate further. Bhargav mentioned that once normalcy returns, the priority for traders will be to recover their losses, which is why they oppose the protests.
Kuldip Kumar, a local trader, stated that the ongoing protests led by the CJP and opposition groups are severely harming business during this crucial season. He claimed that traders in Delhi are losing as much as ₹2,000 crore daily.
Pramod Gupta, secretary of the Bengali Market Association, raised concerns about reports of foreign funding for the protesters. He questioned how traders can continue their businesses if such funding allows protests to persist.
The ongoing situation remains tense as traders hope for a resolution that will enable them to recover from these financial losses.
