Key Development 

Kolkata unveiled its first civic-run street food hub on Russel Street on Wednesday, offering a clean, safe, and plastic-free food experience. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) formally licensed 32 street hawkers, allowing them to operate as authorised food business operators. Most of the vendors had been evicted from the pavements last year. With official vending licences in hand, they now serve popular items like bhelpuri, chaat, phuchka, paratha, sweets, chow mein, momo, tea, and ice cream. Many plan to introduce breakfast menus as footfall increases. Mayor Firhad Hakim inaugurated the food hub, joined by Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh, MMiC Debasish Kumar, CMOH Ranita Sengupta, and officials from FSSAI and KMC’s food safety wing.

Inspired by Bangkok, Funded by the Centre

KMC modelled the Russel Street hub on Bangkok’s iconic food streets, such as Chatuchak Market and Jodds Fair, known for their cleanliness and affordability. The initiative follows a 2023 directive by the Union Health Ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to develop 100 hygienic food streets nationwide under the National Health Mission. KMC implemented the project with financial support from the Centre.

Focus on Hygiene, Safety, and Compliance

KMC will deploy food safety officers to inspect the stalls regularly. It has mandated the use of FSSAI-certified oils and spices, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Vendors will receive uniforms—t-shirts, aprons, and caps—which they must wear while serving. Although electricity connections are still pending, many vendors have already started cooking using gas stoves. Now licensed, they will apply for a power supply. Fruit seller Chhotelal Shah, who has been on Russel Street since childhood, now holds legal KMC documents. Another vendor, Ganesh Roy, has begun selling parathas on a gas stove and plans to shift to an induction cooker once electricity is available.

Plastic-Free Mandate Reinforces Sustainability

KMC has enforced a complete ban on plastic at the hub. All vendors must use paper or metal plates, reinforcing the civic body’s commitment to sustainability and public health.

Source: The Times of India