Rioting and arson in Saharanpur caused Rs 244 crore loss:Study

Lucknow, Aug 12: Recent incidents of rioting and arson in Saharanpur has led to a loss of about Rs 244 crore to the city, says an Assocham Study.

An analysis 'Economic impact analysis of Saharanpur riots' conducted by industry body Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry said that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) suffered losses of about Rs 25 crore and marginal workers sustained wage loss worth about Rs 18 crore.

"Considering that GDP of District Saharanpur is worth about Rs 8,900 crore, the Assocham Economic Research Bureau has calculated the loss to the GDP worth about Rs 244 crore during the 10 days of rioting. "There is consolidated amount of economic loss to the agriculture, industry and services sectors in the district," the study said.

"About 60,000 daily wagers engaged in repairing and servicing wooden based furniture, agro-based machinery and other related jobs in and around Saharanpur have been worst affected in the aftermath of riots," said the analysis.

It said that about 20 per cent MSMEs of the total of over 17,000 units have downed shutters with an estimated loss ranging between Rs 23 crore to Rs 25 crore. "Recent riots in Saharanpur have resulted in massive destruction of houses, shops or showrooms and other physical assets as mobs went on a rampage...," said national secretary general of Assocham D S Rawat.

"Industrial activity has been suspended in most parts of the district resulting in significant financial loss not only to the industry but even the exchequer," he added.

"It is thus imperative for both the centre and UP government to take more effective, stringent measures and the state's law and order machinery should act fast to contain tense situation across UP districts," Rawat said.

He said that the state government should set up a cell to monitor and review the performance of the government authority. "Apart from this, provision of timely and adequate measures related to relief, rehabilitation, reparation and restitution of all persons should also be monitored effectively," suggested Assocham.

With over 34 lakh inhabitants, Saharanpur district has a share of about two per cent in the total population of UP and contributes over two per cent of state's gross state domestic product (GSDP).

PTI