BBMP plans to increase capacity of Indira Canteens to meet demand

With more than 700 people turning up at each Indira Canteen, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is conducting a ‘Dynamic Data Analysis’ survey to ascertain the footfall in order to increase the capacity of the canteens. While it was expected that about 300-500 people would turn out, the increasing numbers have led to this survey.

The BBMP is resorting to this move two days after the inauguration of Indira Canteens to fulfil the increasing demand in the city.

A 15-day survey will reveal the number of canteens that are in demand. Each canteen has assigned to a senior health officer by BBMP who will perform as a nodal officer to look at the cleanliness and hygiene aspects along with keeping a track of the footfall. Ashok, Joint Commissioner of BBMP will keep a check on all nodal officers.

Addressing the media, Mayor G Padmavathi said BBMP needs about 15 days to make sure everything falls into place. “Indira Canteen is a 3-day baby. We are working hard to make sure that there are no issues regarding the canteen. It will take about 15 days for everything to fall in place,” said Padmavathi.

Meanwhile, BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad said that they have received an overwhelming response over the last two days.

“More than 2,95,100 people have turned out in three days across the city. Some of them have returned without eating. We did not expect such a huge turnout. We initially thought that about 300 people would turn up, but more than 700 people are coming everyday in each canteen. We are conducting this survey in order to increase the capacity of these canteens,” said Prasad. “The state Cabinet has increased the budget from Rs 115 crore to Rs 200 crore and hence there is no shortage of money to carry out this work,” added Prasad.

With only six kitchens up and running as of now, BBMP is finding it difficult to supply food for all the 101 canteens in the city. Two catering service providers, Chef Talk Pvt Ltd and Rewards Caterers are involved in the production of food. “As many as 18 kitchens are under construction and about three of them, including one in Hebbal and Sarvagna Nagar, will be opened by next week,” said Prasad.

Apart from increasing the capacity of the canteen, BBMP is also installing CCTV cameras in each canteen and accelerating the construction of kitchens. “Each canteen and the kitchen will have two CCTV cameras inside and four cameras outside to monitor the place. The cameras have already been installed in about 7-8 places,” said Manoj Rajan, special officer, Indira Canteen, BBMP.