Nagpur: In an innovative move aimed at promoting the hygienic cooking and sale of food on the streets, the Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, has launched an ambitious scheme to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across India. This initiative is designed to enhance the quality and safety of street food while supporting local vendors.
Under the scheme, a local body receives grants from the Central Government for developing the food street for the vendors. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is one such local body chosen for the Centre’s ambitious scheme aimed at transforming the way food is sold on the streets. A grant of Rs one crore is received by NMC.
The civic officials have zeroed in on a land strip, 20×80 meters, near the Narendra Nagar Railway Over Bridge (RoB) on the parallel Ring Road for developing the food street. This will be the pilot project. If it clicks, then NMC can replicate the model on other streets also, said the civic body.
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Tuesday 12 Nov. 2024
Key highlights of the scheme:
• The scheme’s primary goal is to ensure that food is prepared and sold in a hygienic manner.
• Local bodies will receive grants from the Central Government to develop food streets for vendors.
• The project is modelled after Indore’s renowned ‘Indore 56 Food Street,’ which is famous for its clean and vibrant street food culture.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is among the local bodies chosen for this transformative scheme. It has received a grant of Rs one crore for the development of a food street.
Project Details:
• The NMC has identified a 20×80 meter land strip near the Narendra Nagar Railway Over Bridge (RoB) on the parallel Ring Road for the pilot project. This location was selected after extensive deliberations and surveys by the Project Division of NMC.
• The chosen land, previously a defence railway siding and currently a garbage dump, is deemed perfect for the food street due to its size and accessibility.
• The total project cost is estimated at Rs 3 crore. The plan includes the construction of 20 shops, each 10×10 feet. The design will feature a basic roof and shutters to enclose the shops, with a focus on open space to create an open-air dining experience.
• A designated parking area will be established to prevent traffic congestion on the street, ensuring a smooth flow of visitors.
• Modalities for shop allotment are yet to be decided and will be addressed after the relaxation of the model code of conduct due to ongoing general elections.
While the project aims to boost local street food culture and hygiene, it has faced opposition from residents of Panchadeep Nagar and nearby localities. They fear that the food street might disrupt the peace and hygiene of the area. Additionally, a newly established sports facility near the project site has already raised concerns about noise pollution among the residents.
The selected site near Narendra Nagar RoB is significant due to the growing popularity of Orange Street among realtors and the successful development of the Ginger Mall at Jaiprakash Nagar Square. The proximity to Hotel Radisson Blu and existing food joints enhances the area’s potential for becoming a bustling food hub.
The food street development scheme is a commendable initiative that promises to transform the street food landscape by promoting hygiene and supporting vendors. However, addressing local concerns and ensuring community support will be crucial for the successful implementation and sustainability of the project. The NMC’s pilot project, if successful, could serve as a model for similar initiatives across other streets in the city and beyond.
Green cover to be protected:
The site chosen for the food street currently has some 30 to 40 trees of various varieties and the same would need to be felled for construction of shops on the food street. The NMC said, most of the trees that would make way are of ‘subabul’ varieties. They, however, underlined that two heritage trees, one that of Banyan and other one lemon, and some neem trees, will be incorporated in the design of the food street. The green cover at the food street site is being protected and going to be leveraged for providing natural cooling and shade for the visitors, explained the civic body.
