Not everyone is raving about haleem, the seasonal delicacy cooked during Ramzan in Hyderabad. The annual food fiesta that is rolled out on the streets has created traffic bottlenecks at multiple locations across the city.
Tolichowki, First Lancer, Bahadurpura, Road No.10 Banjara Hills, Biodiversity Park in Gachibowli and countless other locations are choked as the the haleem bhattis (ovens) have been built on the roads and pavements blocking traffic. As scores of buyers turn up just around sunset, the areas turn into a noisy traffic mess. While most established restaurants have set up the bhattis within their premises, some optimistic entrepreneurs trying to make a fast buck have created the brick ovens spilling on to the roads.
“Haleem season traffic woes! Heavy traffic jam near Wells Fargo old Mumbai highway due to haleem stalls on the road . Hyderabad traffic police please take note. This is the first weekend don’t know what more has to come @hydcitypolice @HYDTraffic @KTRTRS (sic),” tweeted one commuter.
The police remain helpless bystanders as the patrons stop by to pick up the dish which is retailing in a price band of ₹100 to 160.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has, in fact, created a set of dos and don’ts for eateries during the season.
“Haleem making bhattis should be set up on the ground floor only. Bhattis should not create any nuisance or hindrance to pedestrians. Parking provision for consumers visiting the eateries and adequate steps for free flow of vehicles during evenings” are among the instructions issued to haleem makers in the city.
But these instructions seem to have no effect on the ground.
