Over 50% of GHMC Annapurna Canteens in Need of Immediate Fixes
Many GHMC Annapurna canteens are rusted and unsafe. Officials plan urgent repairs and modernisation to ensure continued service for the underprivileged.
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A significant number of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Annapurna canteens, which provide low-cost meals to thousands of economically disadvantaged individuals, are in a deteriorated state, requiring immediate attention. More than half of the canteens, constructed over a decade ago using tin sheds, have corroded, making them unsafe and in need of urgent repairs or replacements.
According to GHMC officials, of the 150 Annapurna canteens in operation, eight have been removed due to road expansion projects, while nine have been relocated because of low footfall. Around 60 to 65 centres remain in good condition, but approximately 65 to 70 have suffered severe structural damage due to rust and wear.
Under the Annapurna Meals Scheme, around 30,000 meals are provided daily across these centres, with each division under GHMC housing one facility. Each meal, which costs Rs 27.63, is subsidised and served to the underprivileged for Rs 5. On average, each canteen serves 250 meals per day, with an annual GHMC budget allocation of Rs 25 crore.
To address the worsening state of several Annapurna canteens, GHMC Commissioner K. Ilambarithi has appointed a committee to evaluate their condition and infrastructure. The committee, led by GHMC Chief Engineer Bhaskar Reddy, includes Additional Commissioners Pankaja (Health) and Venugopal Reddy (Advertisement) as members.
Following the commissioner’s directive, the committee has commenced inspections, beginning with the Annapurna centre at Mint Compound in Lakdikapul. During the visit, officials examined both the structural integrity of the canteen and the quality of food being served. While the food quality was deemed satisfactory, the physical state of the facility was found to be inadequate.
GHMC’s engineering team has been tasked with carrying out a detailed physical verification of all operational canteens. They will assess the extent of damage and submit a report within a week. Based on their findings, GHMC will initiate necessary actions, including repairs or complete replacements of the damaged centres.
Recognising the critical role Annapurna canteens play in serving the urban poor, the state government is taking measures to modernise these facilities. Plans include structural upgrades and the introduction of essential amenities to improve the canteens’ sustainability. Despite their deteriorating condition, these centres continue to be a lifeline for many, offering affordable and nutritious meals at Rs 5.
