Hyderabad back into lockdown mode

With all shops closed and no activity going on after end of relaxation hours, city roads wore deserted look by afternoon

Hyderabad: From medical shops to fruit stalls, from pan shops to liquor shops – the four-hour relaxation of the lockdown from 6 am to 10 am on the first day on Wednesday meant long queues, traffic snarls and panic buying in many places in the city.

Pan shops were among those making a quick buck, with many hiking prices and selling cigarettes for at least an extra Rs 20 per pack. Kirana shops and other local grocery stores did business with shutters half closed as the hour-hand inched towards 10 am and even then, there were long queues outside. Chicken and mutton shops too saw people queuing up right from 6 am.

---

The police personnel, who were ready to say stop from the minute the clock struck 10, were waiting with barricades to be pushed into place on the roads. In the first hour from 10 am, there were many who found themselves explaining to the cops why they were outside, while many tried to rush home after the morning round of shopping.

As the day progressed, the roads began wearing a deserted look except for a handful of vehicles, most of which were grocery delivery executives. The only shops open were medical shops and pet-food stores in some areas. Petrol bunks were also closed in most areas, as only the ones on National Highways have been permitted to remain open during the lockdown.

With all the shops closed and no activity going on, city roads were practically empty by afternoon. Police personnel stationed at the checkpoints enforced the lockdown strictly, as they were seen stopping and asking the commuters before letting them pass through the checkpoints.