Exploring India’s Night Economy

Context:

Last year the Delhi government announced its intent to develop the Night Economy. It means economic activities beyond the regular daytime working hours. 

Inspiration:

• Inspiration comes from London and New York, which attribute 6-8% of their economy to night-time hours, primarily from restaurants, pubs and entertainment options.

Adverse impacts of the night economy?

• Not environmentally-friendly: It needs more energy to keep outlets at night. 
  • Light pollution is a phenomenon that big cities already face, with millions of billboards shining through the night.
• Diurnal Cycle: Sunlight influences the natural rhythm of the human sleep-wake cycle. 
  • Too much exposure to artificial light upsets this cycle and impacts our health. 
• Impacts on biodiversity: It impacts biodiversity by interfering with the normal activities of plants and animals.
• Night time economy would require additional security services. Ample reports talk about the scarcity of per capita police personnel, which will put more stress on them. 
• The same goes for public transportation, which would have to let go of its few hours of rest. The average taxpayer would bear the financial cost of these.

Consumption driven Night Economy:

• Consumption is all trying to push that too of unhealthy food and alcohol.
• It seems like a customer acquisition plan for the healthcare industry. 
• Shopping malls remaining open at night is another consumption push. 
• The Indian consumer is still very prudent compared to the debt-driven Western consumer. 

What Can Work In India?

• India needs to evaluate what benefits society has accrued with the nocturnal outings rather than look at it from a limited lens of perceived economics and brag-worthy lifestyle.

Night Time Festivities in Indian Culture:

• Night markets come up during different fairs and festivals that allow us all to enjoy night-time activities. In fact many of our festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, Navaratri and Shivaratri are celebrated at night.
• This includes both traditional Jatras and new-age festivals like musical nights. 
• There are elite clubs in urban districts that stay open all night. 

Conclusion:

• India must carefully consider the true benefits of a night economy. Improving safety and considering the socio-economic landscape are key. The focus should be on creating enjoyable night activities that work for India, not just following Western trends.

News Source: The New Indian Express