AMC Promotes Hygiene and Public Health Through Vendor Awareness Drive
In a proactive move to strengthen food safety standards and public health in Tripura’s capital, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has urged all food vendors in the city to obtain mandatory FSSAI certification. The announcement was made during a joint awareness camp organized by AMC and Agartala Smart City at Sukanta Academy Hall on Tuesday.
The event aimed to educate street food vendors about the significance of maintaining hygiene, complying with food safety norms, and building consumer trust through visible certification.
Mayor Highlights Importance of Hygiene Among Street Vendors
Speaking at the camp, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder emphasized the pivotal role street vendors play in the urban food ecosystem. He underlined the importance of health and hygiene, not just for consumers, but for the vendors themselves.
“Street vendors cater to thousands of people daily. If they stay healthy, they will be able to serve hygienic food. It’s their responsibility to maintain cleanliness and protect public health,” said Mayor Majumder.
The mayor also praised the initiative, stating that such awareness programs help integrate the informal food sector into regulated civic systems, contributing to a healthier city.
Health Check-ups Conducted for Vendors
To support the message of hygiene, the awareness camp also included on-the-spot health check-ups for street food vendors. The initiative underscores AMC’s commitment to ensuring that vendors are not only compliant but also physically fit to serve safe and hygienic food.
FSSAI Certification Builds Trust: CEO of Agartala Smart City
Sailesh Kumar Yadav, CEO of Agartala Smart City, stressed the value of FSSAI certification as a symbol of quality and credibility. He encouraged vendors to proudly display their certification at their stalls to enhance customer confidence.
“This certification assures customers that the food is safe and prepared in compliance with national standards. It’s a trust-building tool that also helps your business grow,” Yadav explained.
He also announced that more vending licenses will soon be issued based on local demand. However, he cautioned vendors against encroaching public spaces and contributing to traffic congestion.
Dedicated Vending Zones Already in Place
According to AMC officials, Agartala currently hosts over 3,000 street vendors, while the total across Tripura exceeds 8,000. To manage this large and vital workforce, dedicated vending zones have been established in most urban bodies across the state. These zones help maintain civic order and streamline vendor operations.
The initiative is part of a broader urban development plan that aims to balance economic activity with organized city infrastructure.
Unregistered Vendors Urged to Regularize Operations
AMC made a final appeal to unregistered and unlicensed vendors to come forward and align their operations with existing food safety regulations. The corporation emphasized that compliance not only ensures public health but also offers business sustainability through formal recognition.
“Getting certified is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s an investment in your business’s credibility and the city’s well-being,” said an AMC official.
Conclusion
The Agartala Municipal Corporation’s push for FSSAI certification among food vendors marks a significant step toward ensuring food safety and urban discipline. With continued efforts from AMC, Agartala Smart City, and the vendors themselves, the city is paving the way for a cleaner, safer, and more organized food vending ecosystem.
