GUWAHATI: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has shut down a food outlet that was operating inside a public toilet complex in front of Arya Vidyapeeth College, near Arya Nagar Flyover, citing serious concerns over public health and hygiene.
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Acting promptly on receiving information about the eatery functioning within the Lions Club Public Toilet premises, GMC officials carried out an on-the-spot inspection of the outlet, which was found operating with coolers and food and beverage items on sale right at the entrance of the toilet complex.
Following the inspection, GMC enforcement teams moved swiftly to shut the operation down. An eviction drive was carried out at the site, with officials and enforcement personnel present, and items found on the premises were seized as part of the action.
The toilet complex, run under the "Public Toilet" project of Lions Club of Gauhati Greater in association with GMC, now bears a "CLOSED" notice at its entrance following the drive.
Reiterating its stance, the GMC said food safety and public hygiene are non-negotiable, and reaffirmed that it will continue to take prompt action against any activity that compromises the health and well-being of citizens.
The move comes after the arrangement, earlier defended by the GMC mayor citing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lions Club of Guwahati Greater for maintenance of the toilet, had drawn public criticism over the propriety of running a food business at a public toilet site.