Indian Express 9.09.2009
Dahod civic body shuts down roadside food stalls to check diseases
With an increasing number of cases of diarrhoea and gastroenteritis in the district, the Dahod Municipal Corporation has launched a strict drive to keep a check on roadside vendors. As part of the first phase of the drive, the civic body has ordered closure of some of the roadside food stalls in the city.
“There have been many cases of illness being reported lately, more because of the monsoon season and the increasing number of roadside food joints that generally do not maintain any hygiene. In the first phase, we have decided to close down the panipuri stalls, which are highly popular and frequented,” said N M Soni, Chief Health Officer, Dahod Municipal Corporation.
He added: “There are over 200 stalls across the city, and in most cases, the roadside food stalls are visited more by tribals and outsiders. We have first asked the vendors to maintain hygiene. If it is not, the stalls will be subsequently closed down. The Health Department is making routine checks at the stalls.”
According to the Health officials, the closure of roadside stalls is also being carried out to thin down crowding.
“Apart from other diseases, there are cases of swine flu reported from smaller cities and villages as well. Since roadside stalls are a common place for gathering, the closure is also a measure to keep check on the contraction of virus,” added Soni.
As of now, the roadside vendors have not reacted to the closure notice.
