NAGPUR: It was business as usual at the markets on eve of another round of restrictions under which movement of public in general will be curbed. TOI moved around areas like Sadar, Indora, Gokulpeth, Dharampeth and even Kamptee only to see a normal day on Wednesday.
There was hardly any rush seen at the essential shops. At 6 pm, just a couple of hours before the lockdown, there was no increase in the crowds.
Traders say the public has now taken the lockdown as normal. As no new restrictions on shops have been imposed, there was no panic among the consumers.
Prabhakar Deshmukh, the president of Nagpur Kirana Association — a body of grocery traders — said buying was as usual and no sudden increase in demand was seen. “It hardly seemed that there would be fresh curbs from Thursday. There is no dearth of supplies also,” he said.
Deshmukh, however, doubted whether even the fresh curbs would actually help in breaking the chain. “There will still be a leeway as it would not stop people from mingling with each other totally,” he said.
President of Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC) Ashwin Mehadia, who too confirmed no panic buying, said they have been supporting complete lockdown. “Only milk should be allowed as essential item, not even groceries,” he said.
Ashok Kumar Gandhi, of M/s AK Gandhi Group which deals in consumer durables and vehicles, said the sector has been hit hard. As the curbs have liquidity, businessmen are not in a position to pay full wages.
“Air conditioners and coolers may be luxury items but as good as essentials during the summer months. For that matter, even mobile phones that have become integral part of day-to-day life should be treated as essential items. Distancing can be maintained at the shops or home delivery service can happen,” said Gandhi.
Industrialists said a number of units will have to remain closed. “The employers will have to make arrangement for workers’ stay near the factory or have a dedicated transport for them. A number of small and medium units may not be in a position for that,” said Nitin Lonkar from Butibori Manufacturers’ Association (BMA).
Mayank Shukla, from Chamber of Small Industry Associations (COSIA), said there is a general impression that only “those units that had got a permission to run last year will remain open. Rest may have to remain shut”.