Heatwave hits Jafargate weekly market; business drops by half

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The usually crowded Sunday weekly market at Jafar gate witnessed a sharp drop in footfall as intense heat kept shoppers away, cutting traders’ business nearly by half. With the temperature touching around 38°C, only a few customers were seen between 12 noon and 5 pm, leaving many vegetable, fruit, clothing and household stalls without buyers.

The second-hand electronics market, popularly known as the “poor man’s Niralabazar” and famous for used televisions, was also nearly deserted. Many vendors skipped the market, while others packed up early due to poor response, said vendor Imran Khan. Vegetable vendors reported unsold stock as customers avoided stepping out in the afternoon heat. “Customers simply did not turn up,” said vendor Manoj Kathar. The rag market near Gandhinagar, where around 25–30 women usually sell old clothes and sarees, saw only two to three sellers this week. However, cold drink stalls did brisk business, with Rs 10 sherbet attracting customers trying to beat the heat.