Srinagar, Aug 13 (KINS): Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to create designated street food zones at several places across the city to provide organised spaces for food vendors and keep public areas clean and safe.
SMC Commissioner Fazlul Haseeb said the initiative aims to balance the livelihoods of street food vendors with food safety, sanitation, pedestrian movement and traffic management.
In the first phase, food cart zones have been identified at Opposite JKTDC Water Sports, Dalgate Bund, Badamwari, JVC Bemina, Magarmal Bagh, Rajbagh, and an identified location along the right side of the River Jhelum.
The number of food carts allowed at each location will depend on available space, pedestrian movement, traffic conditions, accessibility and fire-safety requirements.
Under the new guidelines, food carts will have to follow standard designs and maintain proper hygiene, potable water, waste segregation and wastewater management. Licensed vendors will also have to display their municipal and FSSAI permissions, along with menu and price lists.
Motorised food carts will require the necessary clearance from the Motor Vehicles Department before getting municipal permission.
The SMC said the system will ensure a transparent process for applications and allotment of spaces, while preventing traffic congestion, blocked footpaths and improper waste disposal.
Commissioner Fazlul Haseeb said the aim is to organise and strengthen Srinagar’s street-food sector rather than displace vendors, providing them with a more predictable and dignified place to work.
The guidelines have been prepared in line with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, Jammu and Kashmir Street Vendors Rules, 2020, and the Model Scheme notified in 2021.
The SMC said the designated zones will help create cleaner, safer and better-managed public spaces while allowing street food businesses to continue serving residents and visitors across Srinagar.(KINS)
Srinagar to get designated street food zones
