(The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not necessarily reflect those of Nagaland Tribune)

Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland, acts as a vital economic link for the state and the surrounding region, including parts of Assam. Indefinite business closures in Dimapur would have severe cascading effects on the people residing there, those who depend on its commercial activity, and even those in neighboring areas who rely on Dimapur to fulfill their needs.

Loss of Livelihood:

Businesses shutting down indefinitely translates directly to job losses. Daily wage earners, shop assistants, salespeople, and those employed in the service industry would face immediate financial hardship. Additionally, small business owners who rely on daily sales would see their income streams dry up. This can lead to a domino effect, impacting families who depend on these wages for their basic necessities.

Disruption of Supply Chains:

Dimapur serves as a distribution center for goods reaching various parts of Nagaland and Assam. Closure of businesses would disrupt these supply chains, leading to shortages of essential commodities like food, medicine, and other daily necessities. Prices of available goods might surge due to limited availability, further straining household budgets.

Reduced Public Services:

Municipal services like waste collection, sanitation, and transportation heavily depend on revenue generated through commercial activity. Indefinite business closures would lead to a decline in tax revenue, potentially impacting the ability of the government to maintain these essential services.

Strained Banking System:

Loan defaults could rise as people struggle to meet their financial obligations due to job losses and income reduction. This could strain the local banking system, impacting loan availability for future business ventures and potentially hindering economic recovery.

Psychological Impact:

Uncertainty surrounding the duration of the closures and the future of their jobs could lead to anxiety, stress, and a decline in mental well-being among the people of Dimapur.

Limited Access to Goods and Services:

People from surrounding areas, particularly those in nearby parts who rely on Dimapur for essential supplies and services like healthcare, education, and repairs, would face difficulties in fulfilling their needs. This could lead to travel to faraway locations for basic necessities, adding to their financial burden.

Impact on Agricultural Produce:

Farmers in the region often sell their produce in Dimapur markets. Business closures would disrupt these established channels, leading to potential wastage of agricultural products and income losses for farmers.

Reduced Cross-Border Trade:

Dimapur acts as a hub for trade between Nagaland and Assam. Closure of businesses would lead to a decline in this activity, impacting businesses and traders on both sides of the border.

Investment Discouragement:

Indefinite business closures can create a negative perception of Dimapur as an investment destination. This could discourage potential investors from setting up businesses in the city, further hindering economic growth.

Out-migration:

Job seekers and working professionals might be forced to migrate to other cities or states in search of better opportunities, leading to a decline in Dimapur’s skilled workforce and impacting the city’s overall economic potential.

Slow Economic Recovery:

The time taken for businesses to recover after reopening would depend on the severity and duration of the closures. A long pause could lead to a sluggish economic recovery, impacting the overall well-being of the people in Dimapur and surrounding areas.

Indefinite business closures in Dimapur would have severe economic repercussions, not just for the city itself but also for the people in surrounding areas who depend on it. The impact would be far-reaching, affecting livelihoods, access to essential goods and services, and the overall well-being of the people. By implementing effective mitigation strategies and planning for revival, the negative consequences can be minimized and the path to economic recovery can be paved.

By Dharma Dhaj Sonowal,

Dimapur, Nagaland