Several shops selling electrical fittings, lights, fans, appliances and invertors resumed business in several markets in central Kolkata on Friday.
This came as a relief to several households because these shops had been shut for almost two months now. After they reopened, the shops started getting customers from the first hour with people buying necessary items like extension cords, tube lights, bulbs and fans. Many shop owners said they even sold electrical fittings.
Most of the shops that resumed business are located on Mission Row, Khairu Place near Bowbazar police station, Poddar Court area and inside Tiretta Market, none of which are inside a containment zones.
Both central and state government have allowed shops selling fans and other electrical items to reopen outside the containment zones.
“Close to 20% shops have reopened in the past two days. We are waiting further clarifications from the government on how to go about it after May 17,” said Harish Vasandani, a member of the Calcutta Electric Traders Association.
Mohammad Irfan of Fan Emporium on New CIT Road near Poddar Court said he was cleaning his shop and stock at around 11am when the first customer arrived.
Electrical fittings and appliances do not fall under the essential commodities category like vegetables, groceries, medicines and milk. But during the entire lockdown period, when these shops were closed, several families suffered snags with their electrical gadgets and appliances but could not replace them.
Most shops selling electrical fittings, wires, lights and fans in Ezra Street, which is a containment zone, cannot resume businesses. But shops outside the containment zones can reopen.
Source: Times of India
