Illegal eateries flourish in Kochi

KOCHI: The City Corporation which initiated steps to curb unlicensed wayside eateries and to introduce 74 modern hi tech eateries in all divisions has failed.

Though the civic body initially allotted 50 hi tech mobile wayside eateries which are hygienic, uniquely designed and comply with all food safety norms, to selected beneficiaries, most of them were closed down and illegal vendors took over the place.

The mobile carts were allocated using Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP) funds in 2012. The modernised handcarts made of stainless steel have all the necessary facilities for cooking and storing food, cleaning utensils, wash basins and proper lighting.

Not even half of the beneficiaries, who were given training at the Food Craft Institute, Kalamassery, uniforms, health cards, registration cards and identity cards, are operating the eateries now and unauthorised vendors have taken over the busy streets and junctions.

Though Mayor Tony Chammany, while launching the hi-tech eateries, announced that strict measures would be taken to streamline roadside eateries and only licensed ones that complied with food safety norms would be allowed to function, nothing has happened.

Meanwhile, health committee chairman T.K. Ashraf claimed that nearly 80 per cent of the beneficiaries were still operating the eateries provided by the civic body.

“Apart from the handcarts, they were also given '1.40 lakh as a loan.  If anybody is found misusing the eatery, strict action will be taken against them,” he said.

The health committee chairman added that in view of the pilgrim and tourism season, special raids would be conducted on wayside eateries during the night.

According to civic authorities, the city has only 1000 licensed street vendors, including eateries, while more than 5000 illegal traders are operating at busy junctions, tourist spots and footpaths.