KOCHI: The dawn-to-dusk state-wide hartal called by the Mullaperiyar Samara Samithi on Wednesday against the Centre’s lethargy in constructing a new dam had no impact on normal life in Kochi. Buses and other vehicles plied as usual. Shops remained open and no untoward incidents were reported. However, most schools and educational institutions remained close as they had already declared a holiday. The attendance at the collectorate and other government organisation was thin. Officials at the collectorate said the attendance was just 60 per cent as many went on leave expecting buses to keep off road. The city plunged into a shopping mood. There was heavy rush like that of weekends in front of movie halls and shopping malls. The KSRTC officials said it had operated almost every service, other than AC Volvo buses, to different parts of the city. AC buses kept off road considering the security situation. However, bus services to Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam were suspended after a separate hartal was called by BJP activists following tensions near a temple at Perumbavoor on Tuesday. A protest rally was also taken out in this regard. The police officials said no hartal-related violence was reported in the city.
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