Bhubaneswar: The growing popularity of fast food is common knowledge. The youths here thrive on these delicious quick-treats. The city has many popular joints for fast food and one such is the Khau-Gali behind St. Joesph High School. There are others who make big money too by catering to the tastes of the young and the not-so-young.
Problem, however, is these fast foods are not very hygienic and many fall prey to indigestion, stomach upset and the like. Therefore, in collaboration with the food safety department and OTDC, the normally sleepy BMC has come up with a new theme called ‘ Clean Street Food Hub’. Orissa Post interacted with top officials of BMC, OTDC, and the food safety department as well as with youths to know about their views on this.
According to BMC deputy commissioner Srimanta Mishra, this step has been taken to protect consumers from food-related diseases as well as to protect foreigners who would visit the city, especially in November for the Hockey World Cup.
Apart from all these, it’s a drive under the ‘Smart City’ initiative. Practically, all the food-stall owners will be guided and trained on how to maintain hygiene as also ensure quality of food.
An official of the food safety department said, “Officially, three spots, namey the Khau Gali near Ram Mandir, Food Gali from Rupali Square to RD varsity, and from Prayas food vending zone near Kalinga Hospital to Omfed Square have been identified as the Food Hub of Bhubaneswar. We are going to provide the vendors with trade licence as well as a kit that includes gloves, masks and a rules and regulation booklet, apart from instructions to bin the waste and other leftovers.”
Maitri Behera, a student of RD university, said, “Finally something concrete has happened. Students basically depend on fast food. This new rule will definitely change the course of fast food preparations as well as of selling them; and I am looking forward to having more fresh and hygienic food.”
Santosh Majhi, a frequent visitor to Khau Gali, said, “It’s a great initiative and I hope this time it works. After all, we are paying money and it’s our right to stay safe and have hygienic food. Let’s hope for a cleaner food area in the Khau Gali.” Overall, the Smart City denizens are hoping to have a new kind of ambience in the fast foods circuit in Bhubaneswar.
