HYDERABAD: The glum weather added to the desolate air on the second day of the 48-hour bandh called by the Telangana Joint Action Committee. Even as some commercial establishments extended a half-shuttered welcome to customers, banks and public amenities remained closed throughout on Wednesday.Many ATMs in busy areas ran out of cash and huge queues were seen outside the few which were working. “I needed money to travel and pay the household help but couldn’t get it at Tarnaka. On my way to office, I discovered an ATM in the Pulla Reddy building which seems to be the only one working,” said a relieved Sophie Durairaj, who works in Punjagutta. Huge lines formed outside ATMs in residential areas as machines at major junctions dried up. Closed banks also posed a problem as transactions during two working days was hampered. “I had to encash my pay-cheque but the banks have been closed for two days now,” complained A Sayanna, who works at a school in Banjara Hills.Business was also affected as malls and retail chains observed complete shutdown, for the fear of being targeted. Some smaller shops carried on business by screening customers before letting them in. “During a bandh, you can’t expect people to remain holed up. Neither can we risk such a major loss to business,” said a store-attendant at one such chain operating in Secunderabad. Many eating joints delivered food to office-goers even as store-fronts were padlocked. Small stores dealing in cigarettes, mobile recharge and makeshift eateries did brisk business, providing an ideal spot for exchanging information and swapping stories on the bandh.Hoarding and planning for the bandh seemed profitable as a few push-cart vendors braved the rains and strike to do good business. S Rathnamani, a homemaker from Vidyanagar said stocking up on vegetables and food helped her cater to demands of her children enjoying a day-off from school. Bandh and inclement weather also meant temples remained locked and the St Antony’s Church in Mettuguda, which usually is thronged by devotees, wore a deserted look.Summing up the restlessness of professionals and students, C Pranusha, a BA third-year student quipped, “I never thought I would miss going to college. I am waiting for Thursday as my friends and I plan to catch a movie. Classes can wait.”
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