Hyderabad: City back to its hustle-bustle

Hyderabad: You give an inch, we will take a mile. This was the mood of the people in the city. Hyderabad bounced back to life with near-normal traffic. With the opening of government and private offices and shops, one witnessed even traffic jams.

In several areas such as Punjagutta, Paradise Circle, Abids, Kukkatpally, Dilshuknagar people had to wait for several minutes as was the case before the lockdown two months ago. Mohan K, a private employee said, "It is back to square one. It feels like the days of old."

In A S Rao Nagar, people formed serpentine queues at electronic showrooms. Police removed barricades and in some pickets, the police personnel were seen clearing up the tents. In containment zones though the barricades were intact. Auto rickshaws once again were seen plying on the roads.

Many were seen at police stations, getting back their seized vehicles. Shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, bars and cinema halls were shut but salons were opened. Ram Kumar, a resident of Neredmet said, "I was eagerly waiting to get a good hair cut. It is such a relief. While one can get groceries, goods and all other essentials but how can one get a good hair cut all by oneself?" Barbers too were a happy lot as people thronged the salons masks in tow.

In several places, shop owners were seen sending back brave souls without masks. It may be noted that there is a Rs 1,000 fine for venturing out without wearing a mask." In a welcome change, all establishments followed the rules by spraying sanitisers and allowing one or a maximum of two at a time. Staff was seen making sure that people stood at the markings inside as well as outside the shops.

All industries and factories were also permitted to open. The authorities also allowed 100 per cent functioning of e-commerce companies. Madhavan K, who is a retailer for garments said, "There are a lot of online orders, I was unable to reach many customers due to logistic problems. Now I would restart my business."

Ali Rizwaan, a medical transcriptionist, said, "It is almost normal but I miss the Irani Hotels." There were a few people selling tea in flasks near companies. Ram, who was till recently working as a waiter in Riaz Hotel in Warasiguda is now selling tea in flasks. He said, "I am happy to make money. This is a good beginning and I wish to continue doing this for a while."