Pune Municipal Corporation To Set Up Seven New Food Plazas to Tackle Illegal Eatery Issues 

The authorities in Pune are taking action to address the disorder created by unauthorized eateries on the streets. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) intends to set up six additional food plazas in different parts of the city, in addition to the one already proposed at Sarasbaug.

In recent times, the authorities have been cracking down on eateries in public spaces like roads and sidewalks, which has been a source of concern for residents and pedestrians alike. Over the past year, the authorities have taken strict measures against such establishments, including seizing 1,052 gas cylinders that were being used for cooking purposes and taking legal action against illegal food stalls.

The ongoing efforts by the authorities have been focused on Sarasbaug, where existing food stalls have encroached on the road, causing traffic congestion and posing a risk to the safety of pedestrians. To address this issue permanently, the PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) has initiated a project to build a food walk plaza, which will provide a designated space for the food vendors to operate, ensuring that the roads and sidewalks are free from obstructions.

The proposed food walk plaza will not only provide a safer and more hygienic environment for food vendors to operate, but it will also enhance the overall aesthetics of the area. The project is expected to be completed soon, and it is hoped that it will solve the issues related to illegal food stalls and unregulated cooking practices in public spaces.

“A contract to develop the Food Walking Plaza near Sarasbaug, costing Rs 16 crore, is nearly finalized,” stated a PMC officer. Additionally, plans are underway for a Rs 1 crore food plaza at Sambhaji Garden, where food stalls currently operate. Another food plaza is being planned at Survey Number 66/5 in Baner.

The PMC is also eyeing locations like Gunjan-Shastrinagar Chowk, near Funtime on Sinhagad Road, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park on Satara Road, and Nanded City on Sinhagad Road for food plazas. The city’s road department is being consulted to address traffic concerns.

These food plazas will offer stalls, seating, and a children’s play area for families and friends to enjoy. Hygiene will be a priority, with clean facilities and dedicated parking spaces. The Maharashtra government has pledged Rs 1 crore for the Sarasbaug food plaza through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).