As cases fall, disinfection business takes a beating in Hubballi-Dharwad

HUBBALLI: While the pandemic severely impacted many services, it also opened up new opportunities for lesser-known businesses.
One of them is the disinfecting service which registered brisk business when the infection was its peak. But, now it’s waning as people are no longer that keen on disinfecting their houses or offices. One reason is that lives returning to normalcy in the unlock phase, most people are not following standard operating procedures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.In fact, some are now considering it just like any other flu.
Nagesh Pawar, a science graduate who entered the disinfecting business, said he hoped for good returns. Early on, he got many clients, especially after the government allowed Covid-infected patients to remain in home isolation.
He spread the word about the business by posting pamphlets in many areas. “My workers used to earn a good income even though PPE kits were costly. As days went by, the business started nose-diving. Now, we’re not getting any orders. Very few people ask for the service. I have a few customers like banks, offices and gyms who ask for regular disinfection,” he said.
Another disinfection service provider in Shreya Nagar, who was around even before the pandemic struck, said earlier there was less demand for disinfection and they would take up other jobs like maintaining gardens, cleaning water tanks and pest control. “In April, we started getting more orders for disinfection. But, the demand is slowly dwindling. Some amateurs entered the business but did not survive,” said the proprietor on condition of anonymity.
The disinfectant charges range from Rs 4,600 for a 2BHK house if the inmates test positive and Rs 3,600 otherwise, said a service provider.
Many said this business is not profitable any more and exploring other opportunities for survival.