Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) in Bengaluru has written to the police and the city’s civic authority, the Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), seeking the end of the famous ‘Ramzan food fair’ held annually on Mosque road. The RWA has cited traffic and garbage issues as the primary reasons for their demand.
In their complaint letter, the RWA clarified that the food fair has no religious significance and none of the residents or mosque authorities favour the event. The RWA further stated that they do not participate in organising or shopping at the food fair. Instead, the event has been a significant source of disturbance for the residents, shop owners, and those who pray during Ramzan.
Credits – Homegrown
The food mela on Mosque road during Ramzan is a significant attraction in the city during this time of the year. People from different parts of the city visit the area to try different flavorful dishes. However, the RWA members have cited that the event is too noisy and causes choking traffic, irregular parking, and garbage issues. The cooking on the streets has also resulted in air pollution due to the smoke emitted from the cooking.
Saud Dastagir, a member of the RWA, highlighted the growing concerns of the residents in a report by The Hindu. “There are garbage piles at every corner, and all the authorities have turned a blind eye to decibel concerns being flagged. The stink due to cooking on the streets and smoke emitted from the cooking has polluted the air.”
The RWA has urged the authorities to take immediate action to address the residents’ concerns and end the Ramzan food fair on Mosque road. The demand for an end to the food fair has sparked a debate in the city, with many people calling for a compromise to address the issues raised by the residents while preserving the event’s cultural significance.
