Kanpur Bans Sale Of ‘Pani Puri’, Calls It COVID-19 Super Spreader

Kanpur: The Kanpur district administration on Tuesday banned the sale of ‘Pani Puri’ in the state fearing that crowding at the street food stalls might result in the spreading of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

As per reports, District Magistrate Dr. Brahmadeo Ram Tiwari stated that safety norms were being flouted at the ‘Pani Puri’ carts after Unlock 1.0.

It was reported that street food vendors were not wearing masks and gloves while selling food.

A health official said, “People should refrain from consuming Pani Puri. If they want to have it, they can purchase puris from outside and make the stuffing and Pani at home, which would be a safer option.”

Unhappy with the district administration’s decision, Bablu, a Pani Puri vendor in Swaroopnagar said, “We were wearing masks and gloves and maintaining hygiene in food items we serve. We were also using RO water.”

During the lockdown, Pani Puri vendors were rendered jobless and were having a difficult time making ends meet without a source of income.

After restrictions were eased in the country, the street food vendors took to the streets to restart their business. However, in wake of the pandemic, safety measures have to be strictly followed.