Soon, no more pani poori for you

NAGPUR: In a bid to check the spread of water-borne diseases like jaundice, gastro, cholera and diarrhoea in the city, Nagpur Municipal Corporation's health department has decided to initiate action against pani poori and pav bhaji vendors.

NMC health officer (sanitation) Dr Milind Ganvir said, "After a survey conducted across the 10 zones, we found that about 1500 vendors selling pani poori and pav bhaji in the city. NMC has received several complaints from medical practitioners that disease are spreading due to food items served by these vendors."

NMC has made it mandatory for street food vendors, especially those selling pani poori and pav bhaji, to use hand gloves, maintain cleanliness on carts, keep food material packed and use fresh vegetables or food items. They must also use NMC's treated water or chlorinated water for preparation of food and to serve to customers for drinking, he informed Dr Ganvir further said that vendors had also been asked to use of disinfectants, take care of health of their staff, serving people, and disposal of solid waste. They must not use stale food items. The civic health department has also made it mandatory for all vendor and service boys to get vaccinated against Hepatitis-B and typhoid.

"We have formed a special squad of 10 sanitary inspectors, to be supervised by a food inspector, who will start drive against such street food vendors. Action under relevant section of CNC Act 1948 against the vendor found violating the guidelines will be initiated," he added.

"The inspecting teams also checks if the vendor and its service staff is immunised and checks their fingernails," he said. Pani poori vendors who follow the guidelines will be issued a yearly licence by the NMC on payment of Rs 1000 and Rs 50 as processing fees.

The licences will be renewed every year based on the cleanliness and hygienic conditions maintained by vendor. In return, the hawkers will be provided with smart cards. Hawkers failing to get registered with civic body or not renewing registration will not be allowed ply their business within city limits, he added.
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