-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
As part of the ‘Modernisation of 100 Food Streets’ project envisioned by central govt to promote better eating habits, quality and food safety, the final construction work of food street is under way at a site owned by Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) in Kasturba Nagar near Panampilly Nagar, reported TOI.
Aim of this project is to bring together various global cuisines under one roof. Once realized, the project is expected to attract food lovers from different regions to Kochi and create numerous employment opportunities for locals.
“The food street in Kasturba Nagar has excellent facilities, including 20 outlets, seating arrangements as needed, lighting, toilet facilities, solid-liquid waste management systems, ample parking space and amenities for entertainment programmes,” a GCDA official said. The project is expected to be completed by GCDA in Feb. As part of the city beautification project, construction of a beautiful walkway and recreation centre in Kasturba Nagar will make the food street project even more attractive.
The project is being implemented jointly by GCDA, Kochi municipal corporation, National Health Mission and state food safety department with the help of central funding. Once successful, GCDA also plans to replicate it in other areas of the city.
In 2023, Union Health Ministry in collaboration with Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs had requested states/UTs to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across the country. According to the statement released then, this initiative is being taken up as a pilot project to create an example for other such streets to come up across the country for ensuring hygienic and safe food practices. The aim of this project is to encourage safe and healthy food practices among food businesses and community members, thus, reducing foodborne illnesses and improving the overall health outcomes.
This unique initiative was implemented through National Health Mission (NHM) in convergence with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs & with technical support from FSSAI. The financial assistance for the initiative to States/UTs in the form of Rs.1 crore per food street/districts will be given to fill up critical gaps. 100 such food streets will be opened up in 100 districts across the country (List given below). This assistance will be provided under National Health Mission (NHM) in the ratio of 60:40 or 90: 10 with the condition that standard branding of these food streets will be done as per FSSAI guidelines.
Street foods have traditionally been an integral part of Indian society and are present all across the Country. They represent the rich local tradition of cuisine. Street foods not only provide daily diet at affordable prices to millions but also provide direct employment to a large number of people and also support the tourism industry. Food Safety and Hygiene at street food outlets & hubs remain a matter of concern. With rapid urbanization, while these hubs have led to easy access to food, this has also aggravated the issue of food contamination & associated health issues due to unhygienic and unsafe food practices.
GCDA, apart from this has other major commercial development projects implemented. Some of them are CMDS (Cochin Marine Drive Development Scheme) Commercial Complex at Marine Drive, Commercial Centers in Working Journalists’ Colony, Ambedkar Stadium Complex shopping Centre, Kadavanthra MARKET, Kaloor MARKET, Shopping complex at Manappattiparambu, GCDA Annex Building and Rehabilitation building at Ambedkar stadium.
