Haze may hit tourism across NCR

The unprecedented levels of air pollution in the city post-Diwali is likely to take a toll on the entire National Capital Region, crippling sectors such as tourism, transport, automobile and real estate, according to a report. The added that the immediate loss will have to be borne by the tourism season due to the rising smog levels in the city making international headlines. “While it may be difficult to hazard a figure of economic loss, since the exact period of dangerous levels of pollutants would depend on the weather conditions along with administrative measures, there is no doubt that several billions of dollars of fresh investment and GDP loss would occur,” Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat said. Besides, it would lead to a loss of confidence among the citizens, Mr Rawat added.

The industry chamber observed that in the immediate term, the tourism season could be the worst-hit with the Delhi and NCR pollution making global headlines and creating an impression that visitors should avoid these places. A large number of foreign tourists visit the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (entire state of Rajasthan).

It said the feedback from tour operators and hoteliers clearly points out a deep concern over the negative impact that the pollution can cause to the economy.

“If urgent steps on emergency scale are not taken, the economic impact arising out of the health issues could be catastrophic for the NCR, one of the important pillars of the national economy. Besides, this is also a wakeup call for other regions around Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata,” Mr Rawat added.