Ujjain: India takes a significant step towards promoting healthy eating habits and enhancing culinary traditions with the inauguration of ‘PRASADAM,’ the country’s first Healthy and hygienic Food Street. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, officially opened ‘PRASADAM’ at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Narendra Shivaji Patel, Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare of Madhya Pradesh, and Shri Anil Firojiya, Member of Lok Sabha.
In his address, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the significance of healthy and hygienic food in achieving the vision of a developed India, echoing the principles set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stressing the need for substantive health infrastructure and nutritious food, he envisioned the establishment of food streets in every city to ensure widespread access to healthy eating. The Union Health Minister launched the official website for the Healthy & Hygienic Food Street initiative and unveiled a brochure detailing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these food streets.
“As part of the inaugural event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Dr. Mohan Yadav jointly inaugurated 17 civil works, including Public Health Unit blocks, Chief Minister Sanjeevni Health Clinics, Integrated Public Health Labs, Emergency Covid response packages, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Care Centres, and the Mannhit app, an initiative for mental health screening. The National Health Mission also witnessed the completion of Digital Bhoomi Pujan and the inauguration of various projects”.
To complement the initiative, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released “The DART Book” to empower consumers to identify common food adulterations at home. Additionally, the launch of the mobile food testing van, Food Safety on Wheels (FSW), was announced to conduct training, awareness activities, and adulteration testing in remote areas.
‘PRASADAM,’ spread over 939 square meters, features 19 shops and offers a range of culturally rich dining options for the daily influx of 1-1.5 lakh devotees visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple. The food street is designed to provide various facilities, including a kids’ play area, drinking water, CCTV surveillance, parking, public conveniences, and seating spaces. Beyond enhancing Ujjain’s tourism appeal and preserving culinary traditions, ‘PRASADAM’ aims to contribute to economic growth and community engagement.
The event witnessed the presence of Members of Parliament, senior government officials, and other eminent dignitaries. The establishment of ‘PRASADAM’ marks a significant stride towards promoting healthy and hygienic eating practices, aligning with the broader vision of building a prosperous and health-conscious India.
