The sale of firecrackers started on a sluggish note in the city on Wednesday as shopkeepers remained indoors due to incessant rains.
About a hundred stalls have been set up on the main ground of Andhra University, 50 at the AUCE ground and an equal number of stalls in the NSS unit of the university near the ground. Stalls were also set up at Alwar Das Maidan in MVP Colony and vacant areas at Madhurwada, Pendurathi, Arilova, Gajuwaka, Seethammadhara and Pedagantyada.
The stalls were set up in adherence to the COVID-19 safety protocols, and the staff employed by the stall owners were trying to boost sales by offering huge discounts. Street vendors also sold earthen lamps, electric lights, colored candles and other decorative items for the festival.
“This time, we were expecting good business as things were slowly returning to normal after the second wave of COVID-19. But the rain has spoiled the game and we are hopeful that the sky will be clear by tomorrow morning. As soon as the rain stops, we are confident that customers will start coming,” said Srinivas, a firecracker trader from MVP Colony.
According to GVMC regional fire officer Niranjan Reddy, only 350 shops were allowed this year as compared to 400 last year.
Fearing bad weather and the bitter experience of losses in previous years, many traders invest short in stocks.
Meanwhile, customers complained that firecrackers have become expensive compared to last year. Traders said increase in transportation charges, reduction in production and additional taxes led to the rise in prices.
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