The street food hub near Alankar theater in Mapusa is set to be converted into a modern food court by October 2026. This decision was finalized during a joint meeting on Friday involving officials from the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), and local stall owners. The plan aims to replace the current dilapidated stalls with a hygienic, family-friendly dining space.
FDA Raids Exposed Unsanitary Conditions
The redevelopment initiative follows repeated FDA raids in the area, which uncovered severe drainage issues, unsanitary food storage, chemical misuse, and a lack of water certifications. These violations prompted authorities to take decisive action to ensure public health and safety.
Key Features of the New Food Court
Under the new blueprint, the entire zone will be concreted to accommodate uniform, well-equipped vending platforms. To enforce strict hygiene, the administration has completely banned the cutting of raw chicken on-site. Vendors will only be allowed to bring in processed or ready-to-cook ingredients. Additionally, the FDA has made statutory food licensing mandatory for all operators, pushing vendors to fast-track their pending clearances.
The revamped square will include public amenities such as modern washrooms and dedicated handwashing facilities, designed to create a family-friendly dining experience. The municipality will soon announce a temporary closure schedule for the existing stalls to facilitate construction.
Official Statements
Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza said, “Redevelopment and facelifting of the Alankar area will be done. It will be a completely new facility for eateries with hygienic washrooms, and handwash facilities. It will be a friendly food court, a family space.” He added, “We have taken the FDA, MMC, and all stakeholders on board to provide clean and quality food to citizens and tourists.”
Timeline and Next Steps
The project is expected to be completed by October 2026. The MMC will coordinate with vendors to minimize disruption during construction. The new food court aims to set a benchmark for street food hygiene in Goa, aligning with broader efforts to boost tourism and public health.
