City markets wear a deserted look as cases rise

Aurangabad, March 19:

The rising number of Covid-19 patients, lockdown and reduced income has crippled the financial budget of the common man. Due to restrictions on wedding ceremonies and weekend lockdown, the markets in the city are wearing a deserted look.

The city was in a complete lockdown for three months last year. Later markets were opened with restrictions in place. Nearly all businesses were coming back on track. However, by the end of February, Corona cases began to rise and in March the number crossed 1,500 cases a day. Hence the administration announced a complete lockdown on weekends and partial lockdown on weekdays. Currently, many corona patients are being found within the municipal limits. Hence citizens are avoiding stepping out of their house and have preferred staying away from crowded areas due to fear of covid. Similarly, the administration has banned wedding ceremonies. According to traders, the markets are crowded during summer as the majority of wedding ceremonies take place during this period. People from the city and nearby districts come to purchase clothes and other items. However, with the ban on wedding ceremonies, several shops that are usually crowded these months are completely deserted. In addition, as markets are being closed early and on weekend lockdown the business is getting hampered. The traders said that people mostly prefer weekends or evening shopping. However, as the markets are completely closed on weekends there is no business. Similarly, with the rising cost of essential commodities, people are reluctant to spend money on non-essentials. As a result, markets in the city are wearing a deserted look throughout the day. Meanwhile, shopkeepers expect the market to recover once the virus is under control.

Sales fell 40 per cent

According to some traders, the market had recovered after the lockdown. There was a good turnover during the past six months. However, the partial and complete lockdown announced by the administration has affected about 40 per cent of sales. Some said it was not possible to pay the salaries of the shop and employees.