Sir,

There is no doubt that unregulated food carts have become a hazard to pedestrians and motorists. Occupying footpaths and roads, they create traffic problems, generate waste and affect the city’s appearance. Hygiene and public health are also genuine concerns.

However, simply removing food carts may not be the solution. They continue to attract customers because they offer affordable, freshly prepared and readily available food.

Unregulated food carts can also result in loss of revenue to the Government and make it difficult to maintain the city properly. They contribute to waste, with used plates, cups and other disposable items often being thrown around vacant spaces.

At the same time, regulated restaurants have their own shortcomings, which drive people towards these food carts. Prices are often higher and customers may not always be assured of the freshness or hygiene of the food. In some establishments, food prepared earlier may be stored and reheated later.

Food carts, on the other hand, often prepare and serve food right in front of the customer. You get steaming-hot food straight from the stove, which many customers find fresher and tastier.

Most carts do not have the space to prepare and store large quantities of food for later serving. A customer can therefore get food almost straight from the fire to the plate, whereas restaurants may take longer to serve, even when the food is freshly prepared.

Food carts are directly run by their owners, who readily listen to customers and respond to their feedback. They are also more flexible with portion sizes. While many hotels do not offer half or small portions, food carts are often willing to serve even a spoonful or two on request.

Unless these aspects are addressed, food carts are likely to continue thriving. The solution, therefore, lies not merely in removing them, but in regulating them properly while ensuring that city’s traffic, hygiene and aesthetic concerns are also addressed.

-Ananda Kumar

Mysuru                       

12.8.2026