Pollution Clouds Retail Trade in Delhi-NCR

Increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR is severely affecting retail trade, with market footfall declining sharply. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) highlights that worsening pollution levels deter shoppers. The CTI urges coordinated efforts from neighboring states and proposes government collaboration to resolve the issue.

Rising air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region is casting a shadow over retail trade in the national capital, as stated by the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) on Wednesday. The declining air quality has led to a noticeable drop in market footfall, impacting businesses significantly.

Brijesh Goyal, chairman of CTI, noted that Delhi's air quality has plunged into the 'severe' category. This has been widely covered in the media, prompting caution among residents who now hesitate to visit markets. Previously, three to four lakh people from the surrounding areas visited Delhi daily, a number which has now dwindled to around one lakh.

The CTI has reached out to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, expressing anxiety over the pollution's impact on trade. With the festive season approaching, the CTI emphasizes the need for urgent, joint action by governments of Delhi and neighboring states, urging an emergency meeting to tackle the persistent pollution problem.

(With inputs from agencies.)