CMC Mulls Street Food Hubs Under PM Svanidhi Scheme at Malkam Cheruvu

Hyderabad: Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) is preparing a proposal for street food hubs under the PM SVANidhi scheme, with a site proposed at Malkam Cheruvu. The plan combines affordable food, hygiene checks, waste treatment, solar power, cultural programmes and livelihood support for vendors and self-help group (SHG) women.

Anil Prakash of the Union urban affairs ministry and Jayesh Kumar of the centre of excellence, Vijayawada, visited the CMC head office in Hyderabad on Monday and met commissioner G. Srijana and additional commissioner for urban community development to discuss the concept and planning.

CMC said the spaces should serve autorickshaw drivers, workers, students and families across income groups. Food quality should meet global standards, while prices remain reasonable. Vendors would have to follow waste-management rules and use designated bins. Biodegradable food waste could produce biogas, while furniture may use bamboo, stone, granite or recycled materials.

The proposal also includes a “net zero” target through solar panels, automatic smart toilets, international-standard washing and drinking-water facilities, and checks through “hygienic indices.” SHG women may take up operation and maintenance work.

Advertisements and awareness campaigns involving celebrities, social-media influencers and sports persons were discussed to promote the hubs. Weekly cultural and entertainment programmes may feature music, dance, art forms and cuisines from different states. CMC said the hubs could support local enterprise, improve public amenities and give citizens a common place to eat without concern about hygiene or cost.

The visiting team inspected the location and nearby tourist places to see whether the hubs could form part of tourist itineraries. They also spoke to street vendors and SHG women about their participation. CMC also discussed special bus services to Malkam Cheruvu for visitors. Commissioner Srijana supported clean, well-planned and citizen-friendly food hubs that protect vendor livelihoods and provide community gathering spaces.