New Delhi: The issue of trade being hit by continuing sit-ins, demonstrations and rallies in Delhi has intensified. Angry over losses to business during the festival season, traders have warned that if demonstrations in major markets and commercial areas are not stopped by November 11, that is Bhai Dooj, they will hand over the keys of their shops to the protest organisers. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar in this regard, demanding a temporary ban on rallies and protest marches.
According to CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal, Delhi’s trade suffered a loss of about ₹14,000 crore between October 1 and November 1. The organisation claimed that traffic remained affected in October due to continuous demonstrations around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Patel Chowk and Janpath. This affected retail trade, hotels, restaurants and transport services.
Traders also cited the large rally held at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 as a major reason for the losses. According to CTI, about 2.5 lakh shops in nearby markets remained closed because of the rally, and retail and wholesale trade suffered losses of nearly ₹8,800 crore. The organisation also estimated losses of ₹1,500 crore in the transport sector, ₹500 crore in the hotel and service sector, and ₹200 crore for daily wage workers.
CTI has demanded that permission for rallies not be granted until November 11 in major areas of central and old Delhi, including Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Ramlila Maidan, India Gate, Rajghat and Delhi Gate. It has also suggested that places such as Burari, Alipur, Jasola and Yamuna Khadar be designated as alternative protest sites.
Traders said the period of Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj is among the most important business days of the year. In such a situation, it is essential to ensure smooth customer access to markets and the movement of goods.
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