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Coal traders see “no light at the end of the tunnel” Says lockdown turned situation “as black as coal”

The coronavirus lockdown has cast a shadow over the economic state of the city to such an extent that some commercial establishments were affected directly and some are indirectly burning all the hopes of revival down to ashes.

Talking about business after the lockdown is something like wasting time in raking over the coals these days. Coal business solely depends on seasonal orders once in a year. However, coronavirus lockdown hit the function halls and hotel business very hard thereby cause huge damage indirectly to the coal trading in the city. Seasonal functions were called off due to restrictions and only few ceremonies with the low key affairs are being solemnized,” said Sahil, who runs a coal depot at Engine Bowli.

CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN HYDERABAD COAL

Explaining that seasonal ceremonies every year fetches them 20 to 25 orders per day from function halls and hotels, he said “Now we are receiving only 10 to 15 customers per day that too from local families who are holding barbeque parties in their houses. Presently there is no ray of hope of revival of the business as the hysteria created out of the outbreak of the pandemic may last long for some more time. “In such a volatile situation who can dare to hold ceremonies with hundreds of invitees putting their lives into jeopardy,” he contended.

“Similar to the famous saying “Koile ki dallali main haat Kale” thinking about coal business without the revival of the business of functional halls and hotels in the city is like the canary in a coal mine. Presently the situation is as black as coal. Lockdown leaves a trail of destruction in the lives of poor people. All we can do to wait till the situation improves. Despite of all these difficulties we are keeping our heads above water with a hope to see a light at the end of the tunnel soon,” said Azeez a dauntless coal trader used to supply charcoal on order to function halls in the city.

The government should come to the rescue of poor businessman and traders of the old city that carries more poor families than any other part of the city. The central government is announcing every day that it is extending help to distressed MSMEs under Guarantee Emergency Credit Line (GECL) Scheme then why it is not reflecting here in the old city? Questioned Mujahid Mohiuddin Qhudri, a social activist.