Continuous rains hit business in Hyderabad’s old city

Continuous rains for over two weeks have hit business in Hyderabad’s old city, with traders near Charminar reporting poor sales due to fewer tourists and local buyers. Many are struggling to pay workers’ salaries, shop rents and utility bills

Hyderabad: The continuous rains for over a fortnight in the city have dented the business of traders in the old city, affecting their financial obligations and increasing their hardships.

There are over 10,000 big and small traders doing business within a 2 km radius of Charminar, dealing in a variety of goods such as pearls, gold ornaments, zardosi sarees and dresses, bangles, footwear, handicrafts and other articles. There is a huge demand for these products among tourists.

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“Following heavy rains in September and the circulation of videos showing gushing water and vehicles being washed away, domestic tourists stayed away from the city,” said Shaik Shaifuddin, a trader from Khilwat.

“Usually, domestic tourists visit the old city during the Dasara vacation and there is good business. Due to the rains, there was a huge drop in the number of tourists, which affected business to a great extent,” complained Mohd Anwar Qureshi, who runs a bangle store at Laad Bazaar.

During the festive season, there is usually a huge rush at Patel Market, Rikabgunj Market, Pathergatti, Gulzar Houz, Ghansi Bazaar and Madina Building. “Local customers from across the city drop in to make purchases. However, this year the local public also stayed away after water from the Musi River was released and surrounding areas were affected,” said Naveen Agarwal, a trader at Patel Market. He added that they were facing problems paying workers’ salaries, power bills and shop rents.

Now, with the rains continuing and forecasts of more heavy rains in the coming fortnight, traders fear further losses. “We cannot do anything except pray to the Almighty. We have not ordered any fresh stock as we usually do for festive seasons,” said Alok Jain, a trader at Rikabgunj Market.