Coimbatore's Scorching Summer Drives Boom in Roadside Refreshment Sales
As summer intensifies across Coimbatore, roadside juice and tender coconut stalls are experiencing a significant surge in business. This uptick is primarily driven by motorists and daily commuters seeking relief from escalating daytime temperatures, which recently peaked at 33 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Changing Travel Patterns Amid Rising Heat
The noticeable temperature increase marks a distinct shift for residents accustomed to Coimbatore's typically moderate climate. Major roads with limited tree cover or shade, particularly challenging for two-wheeler riders, have made heat management a daily struggle. This environmental change is actively altering travel habits throughout the city.
C A Marutharaj, a 69-year-old retired government employee from Malumichampatti, now deliberately avoids traveling to the city during noon hours whenever possible. He frequently rides his motorcycle to Coimbatore to visit relatives and purchase groceries from wholesale markets. However, the heat over the past week has rendered midday travel distinctly uncomfortable.
"Many roads lack greenery and shaded stopping points, leaving motorists with few options to rest," Marutharaj observed. Simultaneously, he has noticed a proliferation of roadside stalls selling watermelon, ice apple, sweet toddy, and tender coconuts. When forced to travel during peak heat, he regularly stops for ice apple and sweet toddy to cool down.
Vendors Report Dramatic Sales Increases
For local vendors, the weather has translated directly into brisk sales and improved revenue. A Banupriya, who operates a roadside stall near Anna Statue, confirmed that demand has risen sharply, with motorists now constituting a major portion of her customer base. She sells sugarcane juice, rose milk, badam milk, and lemon juice.
According to Banupriya, daily sales that averaged between Rs 500 to Rs 600 last month have now climbed substantially to Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200. She emphasized her commitment to using quality ingredients in all juice preparations.
Tender coconut sellers are similarly benefiting from heightened seasonal demand. Across numerous parts of Coimbatore, a single tender coconut now typically costs Rs 60. Vendors explained that most stock is sourced from Pollachi and distributed throughout the city and nearby rural areas.
D Balraj, a tender coconut seller at P N Palayam with three decades of experience, attributed price increases to high demand coupled with limited supply. "Prices have increased because demand is high while supply remains constrained," he stated.
Workers Adapt to Heat Challenges
The heat proves particularly difficult for individuals who spend extended hours on the road for work. B Sivarani, a 55-year-old self-employed taxi driver, described how drivers constantly search for shaded parking spots during traffic halts. She prefers lemon juice, priced around Rs 20, as a far more affordable alternative to tender coconut.
"Even with the air-conditioner running, taxi cabins remain hot during prolonged traffic jams, and the cooling effect doesn't last," Sivarani explained. To maintain hydration, she has substituted tea and coffee with regular lemon juice consumption.
Medical Experts Recommend Precautions
Healthcare professionals are urging residents to adopt additional precautions during this heatwave. Dr V Bhuvaneswari of the Yoga and Naturopathy Department at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital recommended breathable cotton or khadi clothing, mud therapy, and cooling pranayama techniques such as Sheetali and Sheetkari.
Meanwhile, the food safety department has intensified surprise inspections in areas including Gandhipuram, Singanallur, and the railway station. Authorities are warning seasonal vendors to maintain proper hygiene standards and obtain necessary FSSAI licences.
Residents can report violations through multiple channels: WhatsApp or phone at +91-9444042322, email to unavupukar@gmail.com or dofssacbe@gmail.com, or via the TN Food Safety Consumer App.
