Overview

Delhi’s vibrant street food scene is set for a major transformation. The National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) is leading the effort to replace traditional cooking methods with electric cookstoves. In partnership with Finovista, a consulting firm based in Delhi, NASVI is driving this shift in the city’s bustling streets.

Empowering Vendors with Clean Cooking Solutions

Arbind Singh, NASVI’s national coordinator, emphasised how this initiative can elevate street vendors: “Street vendors are innovators and entrepreneurs. By equipping them with electric stoves, we improve their cooking methods and empower their profession. This initiative will set a new standard for street food in Indian cities.”

He added, “The project supports India’s vision to promote sustainable livelihoods, reduce carbon emissions, and improve food safety in urban areas. It highlights the crucial role street vendors play in our cities’ food systems and recognises their potential to drive positive change for climate action.”

The Plan: Equipping Vendors with Electric Stoves

NASVI plans to equip vendors with electric stoves through specially designed e-pushcarts. Sheetal Rastogi, founder of Finovista, pointed out that more than 50% of Indian households already have access to electricity, but many underuse induction cookers. “We aim to involve vendors in adopting this new technology to address this issue,” she said. Singh also highlighted the safety risks of using gas cylinders, which Mumbai has already banned for street vendors. He explained, “Electric stoves offer a safer, cleaner alternative for street food vendors. We urge the government to actively support this change.

Breaking Myths and Expanding the Initiative

Singh believes that once vendors start using electric cookstoves, others will follow. He stated, “The myths about electric stoves—such as concerns about longer cooking times or poor taste—will be debunked.” NASVI has already trained 250 vendors in the pilot program and plans to expand its reach further. The organisation has also requested government support in providing e-pushcarts and financial assistance through loans and subsidies.

Source: The Indian Express