‘Should we go home?’ Workers, traders at marble market anxious over construction ban

The marble market in Kirti Nagar is facing a significant downturn due to a 15-day construction ban and a complete halt to all construction and demolition activity from December 10 to January 20. This ban, a part of the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan, has left traders anxious about the collapse of their business. Randeep Bhardwaj, a marble trader, is already hearing from his labourers, who are questioning whether they should return home after three months with no work.

The Commission for Air Quality Management has also ordered a 15-day ban on demolition and outdoor construction starting from November 5. This ban, along with a shift in restrictions from earlier pollution control measures, has severely impacted the supply chain and demand for marble. Traders claim that their sales to markets outside Delhi have already declined, and now regional markets in Mohali, Dehradun, Srinagar, and Ayodhya cater to the need.

The ban is expected to lead to a complete stop in construction and demolition activity for three months, followed by a complete halt for six months. This situation has left many traders concerned about the survival of their businesses, as they are unable to predict a return of the workforce or demand.