ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Interior Minister Lt-Gen Moinuddin Haider has approved a plan of establishing a traditional “food and craft street” in the federal capital.

The minister gave the approval after visiting the site of the project at Melody Market on Thursday.

Talking to reporters, the minister said the plan would boost business besides promote cultural heritage of the region.

He said the residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would enjoy all kinds of international and traditional foods at the street. The project is expected to be inaugurated on March 23.

The minister was accompanied by the chief commissioner, and Capital Development Authority, chairman, Mir Laiq Shah, deputy commissioner, the president of Melody Market traders body, Salahuddin Khan, and other senior CDA officials.

This will be the first food street in the capital, which is being set up on the pattern of Lahore’s food street.

Earlier, the CDA had planned to establish two food streets, one in Blue Area and the other at Melody Market. However, due to some unknown reasons, the plan to establish a food street in Blue Area has been shelved.

The interior minister directed the CDA to invite famous international and local parties to ensure availability of both traditional and international food.

He also directed the CDA and the administration to make the Melody a “model market” in the twin cities.

Mr Haider said after establishment of the food street, local people and diplomats would have a chance to eat traditional and rich Pakistani food at one spot.

He said the food street would represent the unique culture of the region attracting foreign tourists and other customers.

The minister directed the administration to provide proper parking system to the visitors immediately.

Mr Haider also directed the police department to make foolproof security arrangements.

The minister hoped that the food street would add a new colour to the beauty of the capital city.

The CDA’s director-general, environment, briefed the minister on the plan, prepared by Mr Qaiser, a private architect.

According to the plan, about 35 kiosks, measuring 10x14 feet, will be established in the food street. Each kiosk will be constructed at a cost of Rs80,000.

However, it is yet to be decided whether the CDA will only allot land for the kiosks or construct them also. The plots for establishing kiosks will be auctioned in open bidding.

A CDA official told Dawn that outdoor seating arrangements would be made in the street. For this purpose, attractive traditional furniture would be placed under trees.

The minister directed the CDA administration to complete a survey of the site to ensure the ratification of sewerage system, street lights and the maintenance of green areas.

He directed the CDA to ensure availability of hygienic food in the proposed food street and the health department of the Authority to keep a regular check on it.

APP ADDS: He said CDA should keep in mind the different shades of Pakistani culture which should be exhibited in the food street.