PMC proposes street food hubs to push local cuisine

Patna: Bihar is not limited to litti-chokha, Champaran mutton, ‘thekua’ and makhana. The state’s culinary tradition is much more diverse, and to highlight this, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has submitted a proposal to the urban development and housing department to establish street food hubs under the PM SVANidhi scheme.This initiative aims to organise street vending and promote regional cuisine through dedicated zones. The PMC has selected three sites for the project: JP Ganga Path at Digha, Khatal Gali in Kotwali and the Common Service Centre premises in Mithapur.The plan involves the installation of temporary structures for food preparation and storage, along with seating areas for the public. These hubs will include infrastructure such as toilets, drinking water and parking facilities. To promote local food culture, the guidelines require that 50% of the stalls sell traditional Bihar dishes and snacks. Under the plan, off-street food vending zones will be developed in various parts of the city so that irregular shops along the roadsides can be organised, providing a better culinary experience to the public, said a PMC officials.Vendors selected for the hubs will receive training from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on food safety and hygiene protocols.The proposal is part of a statewide drive, with selected proposals to be sent to the central govt for approval. Each approved hub will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 4 crore.