Business has declined sharply in recent years with the increasing use of steel poles and frames instead of the usual bamboo or wood poles
Posted Date – 07:40 AM, Wed – 6/14/23
Poor business and a lack of interest from a new generation has forced many owners to permanently close shop. — Photo: Surya Sridhar
Hyderabad: Tharuvu baddhalu or Karrelu (wooden pole), Lathilu (long hand held stick) and Vedhuru Bongulu (bamboo stick) used to be in short supply as they were widely used for various purposes such as scaffolding for construction and renovation, erecting wedding pavilions, in Ganesh Makeshift tents and other activities during festivals like Chaturthi, Durga Puja, etc.
However, in the past few years, they have mostly been replaced by metal, steel and iron, resulting in a drastic decline in inquiries for tree trunks that can be molded into different shapes and forms according to needs and requirements.
With the increasing use of steel poles and frames instead of the usual bamboo or wood poles, the business has definitely taken a turn for the worse. People also began to prefer steel poles for their strength, durability, and ability to resist fire.
“There’s not much demand for wood and bamboo products now, except during the festive period, because 80% of the business has dropped in the past 10 years. There are no new people, only those who have been here for a long time are continuing to operate,” Sandeep, the owner of a store in Malakunta, said.
Earlier, there used to be about 25 shops near Malakunta Road, Goshamahal, Exhibition Grounds, but currently only 15 shops are available, within walking distance of each other, as poor business has forced the owners to permanently close the shops.
“Tharuvu baddhalu and lathilu are imported from Andhra Pradesh and vedhuru bongulu is imported from Assam. My father started the shop in 1950 and I took over the shop after his death in 1997 ,” Sandeep added.
Things improve only during the wedding season and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja. There are also stick practitioners who come here to buy long and thin wooden sticks. People also travel to Malacunta to buy bamboo ladders, ax and hammer handles, and other products for personal use.
