BENGALURU, 20 FEB

Owing to tremendous pressure from the Frazer Town Residents’ Welfare Association (FTRWA) and others, the local MLA has decided to put a stop the famous ‘Ramzan Food Mela’ in the ensuing holy month of Ramzan. Ramazan is scheduled to begin on 11 March.

Speaking to Salar News, MLA of Pulakeshi Nagar AC Srinivasa said, “A large number of residents petitioned us to stop the food mela which was creating unnecessary problems during the holy month and the residents claimed that vendors who participate in the mela often encroach on footpaths and create other problems. Taking into consideration the various woes of the residents and worshippers we have decided to respect their sentiments and decided not to have the food mela this year during the month of Ramzan.”

The petition was signed by around 5,000 residents. The locals said that the shops are opened by the outsiders and it stinks due to the cooking on the streets. The letter also claimed that the vendors do not dump garbage waste as per solid waste management rules.

“This violates local bylaws and regulations that prohibit commercial activities during certain hours of the night. This is also a violation under Section 61 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963. The food stalls are set up in close proximity and have encroached upon the way to religious places in our locality, causing inconvenience to the worshippers. This is in violation of the rights of the religious community to have unimpeded access to their place of worship,” the residents mentioned in the letter.

Former Pulakeshi Nagar corporator AR Zakir told Salar News, “Respecting the sentiments and the demands of the residents it has been decided to do away with the food mela. Guidelines will also be issued to the existing hotel to avoid footpath encroachments, subletting, hygiene and no extended operation beyond permissible hours.”

Rohita Jaideep, a resident of Cox Town said, “Of course the festive fervour and delicacies are good and we look forward to it as long as residents are not inconvenienced. We hope this time BBMP is on the vigil.” Social media was abuzz with posts thanking the authorities for calling off the food mela.