In Hubballi, people soak in freedom from Sunday curfew

Hubballi: Residents in the twin cities had only a memory of the fun that the onset of Sunday promised. In the vice-like grip of the pandemic, the state government imposed restrictions on movement of public on Sunday, which meant that people were robbed of their regular dose of weekend fun. However, with both the central and state governments easing all restrictions, the people in Hubballi-Dharwad on August 2 experienced the fun of a Sunday, which was how it had been before the pandemic.
Malls, restaurants and places of worship were thrown open on Sunday, with all the necessary precautionary measures being taken in all places. Many business establishments in Hubballi’s Central Business District registered encouraging business as a result. Most of the people who ventured outside wore masks, and were found carrying hand sanitisers.
“It is very encouraging to see people returning to the markets and visiting restaurants, and even having food at roadside eateries. Business is picking up in most places, and we hope the government does not impose another lockdown,” said Rajesh, owner of a chat shop in Broadway area of Hubballi.
Since it was the eve of Raksha Bandhan, flower stalls in the Old Hubballi area witnessed surging crowds.