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Virus hits D D Urs road! Recurring losses shuts 18 shops, few more in the line

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Of the total 188 shops, nearly 18 prominent shops have winded up business, unable to withstand the losses

Mysuru: It’s been over a year since the Covid-19 pandemic has turned everything topsy turvy. The commercial establishments, big or small that form the chunk of economic growth is badly hit leaving all, from traders to workers, in a fix.

D Devaraja Urs Road in the heart of the city, lined up with shops of types, has been witnessing a never before situation, with coffers going empty with zero business due to lockdown restrictions in place. The overall losses is estimated at crores.

As the downed shutters, make for a grimy look, with hustle and bustle replaced by deserted environs, there is more to hear when you speak to those who matter.

From new kid on the block to legatees who inherited business from their ancestors, you can find many such household names among vendors here. But, all stare at gloomy days, with no sign of escape at least till this pandemic goes and normalcy returns.

Of the total 188 shops, nearly 18 prominent shops have winded up business, unable to withstand the losses suffered due to impact of the pandemic and few more are in the line to shut their businesses.

The stretch of road starting from K R Circle to J L B road, popular for textiles and jewellery shops and many other shops, is not just a go to place for locals, but also tourists. You name an item, you can find it all on Urs road, as is popular among the people.

Even before the malls came up in the city, the bug of shopping bit the people here so much that, for every other occassion, shopping on Urs road was indeed a matter of pride.

It is also easily accessible by private or public transport. For Old Mysureans, who stay in the localities around palace, it’s just a matter of few minutes walk.

In the first wave, business here was a bit volatile, with about 25 per cent growth. But, the worst came in second wave in 2021 with zero business. More than 10 branded shops are among those closed.

According to D Devaraj Urs Road Traders Association President Veerabhadrappa of the famous Mysore Tarpaulins, who spoke to Mysoorunews.com “business is zero and nearly 2,000 workers and their family members are in a helpless situation. Only few shops providing PF and ESI facilities to their workers are able to pay at least 50 per cent of salary.”

While jewellery shops even made business during the first phase of lockdown because edgy people invested more on gold.

Same is not the case with textile shops, which have gone out of business because of the prevailing crises. The trend in fashion industry changes every two months, but with barely any permission to run the business, the industry is badly hit. Even when lockdown was lifted for sometime, there was hardly any buyers for the new trendy fashion.

Like any other sectors, the traders here are expecting handholding from the government to improve their business and regain a foothold to start afresh.

Being a major taxpayers to the government, the traders here also deserve their due

– Team Mysoorunews

 

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