Hyderabad: The ten-day closure imposed by the Telangana government in the state brought it to a halt. All trading establishments, except those exempted by the state government, were closed across the state by 10 p.m. All other commercial activities in the state also came to a standstill. Several people who came out of their home for their personal needs were seen rushing back to their homes as soon as their clocks were ringing at 10am.
As the majority of the residents of the state confined themselves to their homes, roads, bus stops and subway stations had a deserted appearance. The commercial stores in Ameerpet, Punjagutta and SR Nagar were closed by their management. The Secunderabad-based JBS carried an abandoned look after the start of the closure. Police have installed barricades at KPHB and other important junctions in the city. The Balanagar DCP Padmaja inspected the area of Jeedimetla in Jeedimetla to observe the implementation of the closure.
Police conducted searches at intersections
The Rachakonda CP Mahesh Bhagavath observed the conditions in Uppal and Medipally areas. The police gave advice to those who came out of their homes unnecessarily. Police from across the state conducted searches at all major intersections. Police only allowed people with emergencies during lockdown. On the other hand, the continuous vaccination and Covid tests went well on the first day of closing without any interruption. The state pensioners were seen waiting at the Suryapeta post office. Although they reached the post office at 06:00, they had to return to their homes as the post offices did not open it.
The Metro Rail services were stopped in the city at 09.45. Many people returned to their homes due to the lockdown. The TSRTC buses were packed on the first day. The liquor stores were open from 06:00 to 10:00.
Source: The Siasat Daily