Delhi violence: As city slowly recovers, citizens count the economic costs

Delhi Chamber of Commerce assesses total damage at Rs 25,000 crore, given that several showrooms were torched along the main roads, while godowns loaded with wholesale goods were looted

When the row of shops was being set ablaze, Ashok Sharma knew there was little he could do to save his store. Paint, after all, is highly inflammable. Sharma owns a paint and hardware store. His shop was one of the largest in the market on Johripur Road, as one enters Karawal Nagar from the Johri Enclave Metro Station side. The shop and the warehouse behind it, which Sharma owns as well, and runs with his nephew Mukesh, are entirely gutted.

“Over Rs 1 crore worth of paint, household electric components, and sanitary hardware and fittings was kept in the