Restrictions on shop timings in Delhi lifted

City traders fuming over the recent government order to shut down their shops by 7.30 pm due to power crisis can now carry on their business as usual with the authorities withdrawing the restrictions today.  

Thanks to the rains that has somewhat eased the power situation in the capital, the Delhi Labour Department has withdrawn the restrictions imposed on them two days ago to down shutters by 7.30 pm citing better power situation.  

"There has been a noticeable improvement in the power situation and, therefore, the restrictions imposed on July 1 are being withdrawn. The shops and establishments can now revert to their old timings," said the notice issued by the department.

The notice further says that the shops can now remain open upto 11 pm should they so desire.  

Facing severe criticism from citizens as well Opposition over acute power shortage in the city, the government early this month had directed early closure of commercial establishments.  

Agitated over frequent outages, people in some areas had taken to the street and had attacked the offices of the power discoms while accusing the government of failing to ensure sufficient power supply.  

However, the closure order had left the traders fuming who felt that it would hit their business badly.  

Power firms had pointed out that commercial establishments and shops account for about 40 per cent of the total power consumption in the city.