Cholera’s amid rising cases in Kathmandu Valley and doctors warning about a possible outbreak. Lalitpur Metropolitan City(LMC) on Sunday swung into action to control the waterborne disease.
It imposed a complete ban on the sale of “Panipuri” and “Chatpate”- spicy street food popular among youths.
As per their decision, the Lalitpur Metropolitan City has announced a complete ban on selling panipuri and chatpate on the roadsides from Monday. Because such street food could result a major source of cholera spread.
Sitaram Hachhethu is the chief of the city police. He said they sent over two dozen street vendors home on Sunday. Until and unless the case of cholera comes to zero. This will continue to ban. Since the street vendors use tap water. And the water used by them is not clean too. Therefore, they sent the vendors back and warn them not to return until the ban gets over.
When it comes to panipuri and chatpate. They are not that hygienic foods for a number of reasons.
Lalitpur Metropolitan City might have taken the decision quite in haste. Since most of them earn their living by selling chatpate and panipuri in streets.
Given the ingredients and the way these street foods are usually prepared out in the open. Doctors say chances of them being unhygienic are quite high. But experts insist that regulation is the way to go rather than putting a blanket ban on their sales. Ban on their sales will effect their livelihood.
They found out that many popular street foods like panipuri and chatpate can spread diseases like cholera,” said Marasini. “But what about the water jars that are being sold in the market? Bottled water is also not safe. And what about some big hotels and restaurants? Who has inspected the foods they are selling?”
