Tamil Nadu's first healthy and hygienic food street opens in Tiruchy
Health Minister KG Arunraj inaugurated the facility on Race Course Road at Kajamalai featuring 39 trained vendors.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister KG Arunraj inaugurated the state's first healthy and hygienic food street on Race Course Road at Kajamalai in Tiruchy on Sunday, according to The New Indian Express.
The facility features 39 vendors who have undergone training in safe food preparation to operate mobile carts. These vendors were provided with vehicles containing food vending machines through subsidised loans from the District Industries Centre, while the Food Safety Department issued their licences.
Minister Arunraj said the initiative aims to provide clean and affordable food for people who rely on eateries. He noted that a smart card facility has been introduced to allow customers to buy food using a single card.
The vendors acquired food carts worth Rs 59 lakh using loans and personal contributions. The Tiruchy Corporation spent Rs 50 lakh on infrastructure such as lighting, drinking water, parking, and an open-air amphitheatre.
The food street will be operational every day between 4 pm and 11 pm.
The minister also addressed public health, noting that the World Health Organisation recommends a daily salt intake of five grams per person. Regarding dengue, Arunraj said cases in Tamil Nadu remain under control, though mosquito-control measures are being strengthened as the northeast monsoon intensifies.