India’s first health food street, Prasadam, was launched by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.
The food street at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, will be the first of 100 food streets that will come up in as many districts across the country. Housing the world-famous Mahakal Temple, Ujjain.
Mandaviya, who opened the food street, along with the Chief Minister, stated that the launch marks a significant stride in the country’s journey towards healthy eating habits.
“Prasadam will connect common citizens in every corner of the country with pure and safe local and traditional food.
The two leaders also launched several other projects, including a 30-bed additional ward under the emergency COVID response package.
According to officials, the financial assistance for the initiative to the states and UTs is being provided in the form of Rs 1 crore per food street under the National Health Mission in the ratio of 60:40 or 90:10 to fill up critical gaps, with the condition that standard branding of these food streets will be done as per FSSAI guidelines.
Spread over an area of 939 square meters, Prasadam, which will house 19 shops, has been developed at a cost of Rs 1.75 crore and will reportedly become fully functional by February first week. Besides, it will offer convenient and culturally rich dining options for the 1-1.5 lakh devotees who visit the Mahakaleshwar temple daily.
The newly launched food street is designed to provide various facilities including a kids’ play area, drinking water facility, CCTV surveillance, parking, public conveniences and seating spaces, officials said.Prasadam will also contribute to economic growth and community engagement.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), has requested States/Union Territories (UTs) to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across the country.
This initiative is being taken up as a pilot project to create an example for other such food streets to come up across the country for ensuring hygienic and safe food practices.
