Coimbatore: As summer intensifies in Coimbatore, roadside juice and tender coconut stalls are witnessing a clear surge in business, driven largely by motorists and daily commuters seeking relief from rising daytime temperatures.The city touched 33 degrees Celsius on Monday, marking a noticeable change for residents used to Coimbatore’s relatively moderate climate. With long stretches of major roads offering little tree cover or shade, especially for two-wheeler riders, coping with the heat has become a daily challenge. This shift is changing travel habits. C A Marutharaj, 69, a retired government employee from Malumichampatti, said he now avoids travelling to the city during noon whenever possible. He frequently rides to Coimbatore to visit his relatives and buy groceries from wholesale markets on his motorcycle. But the heat over the past week has made midday travel uncomfortable. He pointed out that many roads lack greenery and shaded stopping points, leaving motorists with few options to rest. At the same time, he has observed a rise in roadside stalls selling watermelon, ice apple, sweet toddy and tender coconuts. When he is forced to travel during peak heat, he stops for ice apple and sweet toddy to cool himself. For vendors, the weather has translated into brisk sales. A Banupriya, who runs a roadside stall near Anna Statue, said demand has risen sharply, with motorists now forming a major share of her customers. She sells sugarcane juice, rose milk, badam milk, and lemon juice. According to her, daily sales that were around Rs 500 to Rs 600 last month have now climbed to Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200. She said she uses quality ingredients in making juices. Tender coconut sellers are also benefiting from the seasonal demand. Across many parts of Coimbatore, a single tender coconut is now priced at Rs 60. Vendors said most of the stock is sourced from Pollachi and distributed across the city and nearby rural areas. D Balraj, a tender coconut seller at P N Palayam with 30 years of experience, said prices have increased because demand is high while supply remains limited. The heat is proving especially difficult for people who spend long hours on the road for work. B Sivarani, 55, a self-employed taxi driver, said drivers are constantly searching for shaded places to park during traffic halts. She prefers lemon juice because it costs about Rs 20, making it far more affordable than tender coconut. She added that even with the air-conditioner on, taxi cabins remain hot during long traffic jams, and the cooling effect does not last. To stay hydrated, she has replaced tea and coffee with lemon juice. Doctors are urging residents to take more precautions. 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, warning seasonal vendors to maintain hygiene and obtain FSSAI licences.Residents can report violations through WhatsApp or phone at +91-9444042322, by email to unavupukar@gmail.com or dofssacbe@gmail.com, or through the TN Food Safety Consumer App.
