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It’s not just the brownie; prices of all the items vary. Espresso Italiano starts at Rs 38 at Connaught Place while at Khan Market it is Rs 70, almost double the price. At Green Park Barista the Espresso Italiano is for Rs43. “I am addicted to drinking coffee. We usually go to Barista at CP every weekend. So I am quite familiar with the prices. But I was astonished to see that same items were available at higher prices in Khan market Barista outlet,” recalls Namrata Roy, a sales executive with VLCC(Vandana Luthra Curls and Curves).

Kumar Saurabh, Marketing Manager of Barista Coffee house, Northern Delhi says that the price variation is due to the fact that all Barista outlets have been divided into three categories. “The first is the Espresso Bar, generally for students and first jobbers, like one at Safdarjung Enclave. Next Is Espresso Bar Plus meant for target customers like professionals, management students, for example the ones in Connaught place and Vasant Vihar. The third is Barista Crème in South Ex and Khan Market for businessmen where people have corporate deals.” But why the price variation? “The price variation is of only of 4%-5% .At Barista Creme we use special coffee beans and all items ordered are prepared in front of the customer only. In other outlets the sandwiches and other eatables are pre-packed. There is a difference of quality.” On being asked why isn’t there any mention of the quality difference and categories in the menu or different outlet names, he says “We will look into the matter. We take this as a feedback,”

And it’s just not the Barista. McDonalds take away counter at Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place sells a fountain Coke for Rs 9. On condition of anonymity the employee at the counter said that the quantity that is sold at this price is half of the quantity sold at the standard price inside McDonalds.

For a Delhi based lawyer Dr Manjula Batra this is an unfair trade practice. “Price variation between the outlets is a complete discrimination. It is a market driven policy and cheating the consumers. Even if it is a legal practice, the onus of informing people about this difference lies with the company.” Many agree to the fact that a reputed company should always inform the customers. According to Sharon Arora, an MBA student , “I often have a cup of coffee at these joints. I was never aware of this change in prices according to the area. They should inform. We expect such a sense of responsibility from a brand”

But for some price hardly matters. For Sourav Mandal, a law student, such coffee joints are the “it” places. “Where else do you get coffees like these? The crowd is good. So is the food. Many foreigners prefer to go to such places. Youngsters also like the ambience. We can play the guitar, play scrabble and chill out. Many choose to go to such places for their dates.” Truly said, “ a lot can happen over a cup of coffee”. However, this coffee comes for a good price depending upon the location.

By Kinga Dema and Neha Sethi
Photo:Babu

You think someone wearing a full-sleeved shirt in this humid weather is bonkers? It might not be the latest fad but it is certainly a preventive measure. It is what the doctors are advising if you want to stay away from dengue. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other concerned agencies claim that preventive measures have been taken to fight dengue. But since the outbreak of dengue fever since this June, the cases are still increasing.

V K Monga, Chairman, Health Committee, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) says, “Till yesterday, 208 cases have been reported from Delhi for the year 2008.” He said the total number of cases reported last year was 548. He also added that the total number of cases is expected to be more than those of last year.

“The increase in the number of cases can be attributed to early monsoon and increase in the volume of monsoons this year. There is more humidity and also the temperature has not been very high this year,” he said.

While the agencies are busy bracing the outbreak with various measures, there seems to be a blockade on the way with the workers for the Domestic Breeding Catchers (DBC) going on strike.

This is being cited as another reason for a surge in dengue cases, points out Monga. “This problem will be solved shortly. They are demanding a regular government job, which is not possible. They are hired on a contractual basis. They are taking advantage of the situation because they know that this is the peak season for them.”
Monga claims that the MCD is ready to deal with the dengue cases. “I have visited one or two hospitals and seen the provisions. The supply of platelets and medicines is enough. There will not be any problem.”

Dr R N Singh, Chief Medical Officer, Malaria, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) claims that special beds have been earmarked for dengue patients in hospitals like AIIMS, Safdarjung, RML, Lady Harding and other hospitals which come under NDMC supervision.
So how harmful is dengue for you? Dengue is a viral disease which is transmitted to humans by the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The severe form of dengue is called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). It can lead to a more critical stage called the dengue shock syndrome. It could result in death if not managed in time.

Dr Prena Chhetri, a resident doctor at Indraprasthra Apollo Hospital, says, “Unlike the nocturnal malaria-transmitting mosquito, the dengue mosquito bites during the day and breeds in clean water.” It also bites several times at a stretch without rest, which means ‘a single mosquito carrying the dengue virus could infect more people in a shorter time’.

But the good news is that Dr Chhetri says it is not difficult to keep yourself safe. “The safest option is to wear full-sleeved clothes and make sure that no stagnant water is there near your surroundings. The dengue scare is bigger than the actual diseases every year so don’t be paranoid, just take precautions.”
So this season, do your best to be free from the grip of dengue!

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