New Delhi Traders Report Rs 3,000 Crore Protest Losses

The Chamber of Trade and Industry reported that traders in New Delhi have suffered losses of approximately Rs 3,000 crore due to continuous protests throughout October. The retail sector bore the brunt of the impact, losing Rs 1,800 crore across more than 700 markets, including Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk, during the critical Navratri and Diwali shopping periods.

Financial losses occurred in two primary waves. A protest on October 10 resulted in Rs 2,000 crore in losses, followed by an additional Rs 1,000 crore loss between October 13 and 16 caused by blockades and the closure of Central Park and the metro in Central Delhi. Wholesale trade, hospitality, and the informal sector also reported significant declines.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal warned that total losses could exceed Rs 10,000 crore if the unrest persists through Diwali. In response, the CTI is demanding that the government ban protests in Lutyens' Zone and Central Delhi until the holiday season ends, establish designated protest zones in outer Delhi, and provide a relief package featuring utility bill and GST exemptions.