Nods to 80 food carts in Panaji set to be suspended

PANAJI: Continuing the crackdown on food carts and mobile stalls operating in the state capital, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) took a decision on Monday to suspend the trade licences of 80 food carts operating without permission from the directorate of food and drugs administration (FDA).
During the ordinary meeting, which was chaired by mayor Uday Madkaikar, the council found that only 12 of the 92 mobile food stalls had the required permissions. One of the main decisions before the council was the relocation of 40 food carts that were seized from near Don Bosco school and Miramar.
“The FDA has objected to the functioning of the gaddas as they don’t have licences from them. That is why the licences of 80 food carts will be suspended,” Madkaikar told the councillors.
Since the end of January, CCP had seized 14 food carts in the paved area near Don Bosco School and forced them to shut their operations after they were found dumping food waste directly into the drains. Since then, the food carts continue to be in CCP’s custody. The food carts used to sell everything from ros omlette and Chinese to biryani and chaat .
Interestingly, one of the reasons cited for cancellation of the licences of the food carts, was a complaint by hoteliers and restaurateurs that the brisk business done by the food carts was eating into their revenue.
Madkaikar said that Panaji BJP MLA Atanasio Monserrate requested CCP to look into the complaints and take an appropriate decision.
“The gadda owners obtain a trade licence for one activity but it is seen that they are running more than one,” the mayor said.
Madkaikar assured the CCP council that the civic body is in the process of earmarking a dedicated zone to accommodate the food carts, which are presently spread across at Miramar, Campal, Caranzalem, St Inez, and other places.