Tirupati: Desperate for essentials, people run from pillar to post

Tirupati: On the day-2 of the lockdown of the state, people started feeling the pinch with empty shelves in shops and overcrowded vegetable and fruit markets. They rushed to the markets from early in the morning as the shopping was allowed from only 6 am to 9 am. The Rythu Bazaar at RC Road in Tirupati which was shifted temporarily to Tiruchanoor market yard on Monday was opened at its old place only on Tuesday and is seen overcrowded where social distancing has no meaning at all.

People showed enormous anxiety to buy vegetables for at least one week.

Though, there will be a cap on the prices at Rythu Bazar, several sellers demanded extra amount arguing that they had to pay huge amounts to autowallahs for bringing their stock to the market. However, several sellers were of the view that the prices have gone up by more than 50 percent from Saturday to Tuesday.

But for many, the real concern is the non-availability of groceries. With the complete closure of big super markets and chain shops, people were to rely on street corner shops where the prices are too high and in some cases the stocks are depleted. On Tuesday morning, a famous branded shop has opened its outlet for some time though clandestinely by lifting about 25 per cent of the shutter.

However, they allowed people in small groups of 3-4 persons only after making them wash their hands with soap water. In spite of all this, the customers have found only empty racks of various pulses and oils. They were seen buying only soaps, shampoos, some readymade food items etc., only.

An angry customer commented, "The government took a sudden decision on the day of lock down. What to eat now? They told that all essential commodities will be available. But what is happening?".

Many people were pointing out the lack of preparedness of the government to face such eventualities. They say that the problem has not suddenly arisen but had been there for about a month. But the government has failed to estimate its impact, murmured a customer.

The coronavirus and the resultant government restrictions have eclipsed Ugadi festivities. "Even to make some sweets and special dishes it has become a Herculean task to go out and get the ingredients," said a housewife. Significantly, the prices of flowers and fruits have increased by more than 30 percent. Neem flowers which will be used for making 'Ugadi pickle' were hardly seen in the market.