Traders In New Delhi Suffer Losses Worth Rs 400 Cr Due To Closure During G20 Summit

New Delhi, Sept 11 (KNN) Due to the closure of shops and restaurants during the G20 summit, the traders in New Delhi have suffered an estimated loss of about Rs 300-400 crore, reported Economic Times.

All commercial and economic establishments in New Delhi district were closed between September 8 and 10 for the summit. The three-day summit had impacted around 9,000 delivery workers as markets and malls in New Delhi remained closed.

Many businesses even outside the controlled zone saw sales halve as traffic curbs forced people to stay indoors, industry executives said.

Atul Bhargava, president of New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) said, "Traders in New Delhi suffered an estimated loss of about Rs 300-400 crore in these three days of closure.

As per reports, both dine and delivery numbers have dropped by at least 50 per cent in Delhi, and in the NCR region, sales saw a decline to the extent of 20 per cent.

The capital's top markets such as Khan Market, Connaught Place and Janpath - which are top draws for shopping and dining and attract large numbers of international visitors, missed what would have been a terrific opportunity.

"Apart from the huge financial impact, we couldn't get international visitors to experience Delhi's thriving shopping and dining hubs," said Anshu Tandon, president of Khan Market Welfare Association.

"The closures of central Delhi impacted other markets as well as shoppers stayed away from Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and South Extension," said Brijesh Goyal, chairman of Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI). "We were expecting delegates to come and have a feel of local markets but have been left disappointed," he added.

A report by Forum for Internet Retailers, Sellers & Traders (FIRST) said close to 9,000 gig workers faced losing their daily earnings amid the shutdown in New Delhi's controlled zones. The gig workers represent food services, consumables, and those operating within fulfilment centres located within NDMC zones, the report noted.

The Centre disallowed all deliveries within the restricted areas, and exempted only grocery essentials, medical stores and ATMs to remain open.

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which represents 500,000 restaurant companies had written to the government to consider food delivery as an essential service before the summit.  (KNN Bureau)