Enforce strict anti-drug, food safety rules: Panel

Mysuru: Directing authorities in Mysuru to bring down the use and sale of narcotic drugs to zero, Karnataka Legislative Committee on Subordinate Legislation chairman and MLA SR Srinivas, on Wednesday, said officers should enforce stringent action against both users and dealers.

Chairing the committee meeting in Mysuru, the chairman directed food safety officials to ensure that fast food vendors do not use artificial colours in food items and instructed authorities to conduct surprise inspections of street food stalls regularly, impose fines and file cases where necessary.

MLC and committee member K Shivakumar said Mysuru has many mobile canteens where thousands of people eat every day. MCC officials should monitor public health concerns and ensure food quality is maintained.

MLA and committee member Darshan Dhruvanarayan said street vendors should be educated about maintaining food quality. Roadside vending is also causing traffic problems in Mysuru city. Suitable designated areas should be identified for such vendors, with proper facilities provided, and food streets should be developed.

Committee members NH Konareddy, Sharanu Salagar and Bhimanagouda Patil, and DC G Lakshmikanth Reddy, ZP CEO Ukesh Kumar, commissioner of police Seema Latkar and MCC commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif were present.

The committee members later interacted with street vendors near Dufferin Tower (chikka gadiyara).