KMC cracks down on street foods to curb waterborne diseases

KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a strict monitoring campaign targeting street foods like panipuri and chatpate, aiming to protect the public from waterborne diseases during the monsoon season.

Due to the increased availability of contaminated water during the rains, KMC suspects that such water may be used in the preparation of these popular snacks, posing serious health risks.

The initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Food Technology and Water Sewerage Management Department.

Rishi Prasad Bhusal, KMC’s Focal Person for Epidemic Prevention and Control, stated that the campaign will run throughout the monsoon.

It will include not only the regulation of panipuri and chatpate vendors but also intensified testing of drinking water quality.

To control cholera outbreaks, KMC will focus on improving drinking water standards, including monitoring the transportation of jar water with ‘plastic wrap stickers’ and launching public awareness campaigns. Water quality will be inspected from its source to household level in coordination with local consumer committees.

The city is also discouraging practices like washing vegetables in rivers and mixing drainage into water bodies.

Awareness programs on dengue and cholera prevention have already been conducted in all 32 wards of Kathmandu, including orientation for students from grades 7 to 10.

KMC believes that educating students can have a ripple effect in spreading awareness in communities. Health leaders have been appointed in each school to promote hygiene and cleanliness.

Over 32 wards, volunteers and health workers have already been deployed. Citizens can report health concerns through the free hotline number 1180.

Additionally, in coordination with the Department of Urban Management, KMC will remove unmanaged construction materials and clean potential waterlogging areas.

Collaboration with KMC police, the Disaster Management Department, Nepal Red Cross Society, and youth groups is underway for awareness and volunteer mobilization.

Every Friday, KMC offices will also run a one-hour campaign (from 9 AM to 10 AM) to search and destroy mosquito larvae breeding grounds as part of its anti-dengue efforts.