The tranquil city of Visakhapatnam is witnessing a surge in the price of a beloved summer treat: ice apples, known as Thati Munjalu in Telugu.

The reason? Rapid urbanization encroaches upon palm trees, the natural habitat of these cooling delights, leading to a significant drop in their availability.

Just a year ago, a dozen of these refreshing fruits could be purchased for a modest ₹60. However, the scenario has swiftly transformed.

With the decline in palm trees due to the burgeoning apartment culture in and around Visakhapatnam, the price has skyrocketed. Today, a dozen ice apples commands up to ₹120 in the market, almost doubling in price.

Local traders lament the disappearance of palm trees, foreseeing a future where the scarcity of ice apples may drive prices even higher.

Once abundant along the roadsides of NH-16, these fruits are now a rarity in the city, with vendors attributing the decline to the dwindling availability of the fruit.

The plight extends to sellers like P. Gowri, who now find themselves compelled to charge between ₹100-120 per dozen, a significant increase from the previous year. Rising transportation costs, coupled with doubled labor charges for harvesting, contribute to this price surge.

Despite the escalating prices, the demand for ice apples remains unwavering. P. Anil, a local juice-stall owner, extols the fruit's virtues, describing it as the quintessential summer indulgence.

With its refreshing taste reminiscent of sweet tender coconut, ice apples are not only cherished for their cooling properties but also find their way into delectable shakes and beverages.

However, the future of ice apples appears bleak as the relentless march of development claims more palm trees. The outskirts of Visakhapatnam, as well as neighboring districts, witness the steady felling of these trees to make way for residential and commercial complexes.

Unless conservation efforts are initiated, it seems inevitable that ice apples may vanish from the market altogether in the years to come.

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