The Gudalur Consumer Resource and Environmental Protection Association has urged the government to construct new Amma Canteens in the Nilgiris district and improve the existing buildings.

In a letter to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the association said the existing canteens were in a state of neglect.

S. Sivasubramaniam, general secretary of the Gudalur Consumer Resource and Environmental Protection Association, said the existing canteens in Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Gudalur and Pandalur served the poor and underprivileged people, daily wage labourers, hospital patients and their caretakers.

With the absence of maintenance at the canteens, the equipment, including gas stoves, cooking utensils and grinders, were damaged. The government should repair and upgrade the equipment.

“Additionally, new water purification systems should be installed at all Amma Canteens to provide safe drinking water and hot water facilities. Cement seating arrangements should be provided for elderly people, children, and patients so they can sit comfortably while eating,” he said.

The association also called for more canteens to be set up, particularly in Kotagiri, Udhagamandalam and Gudalur.

“Considering the current demand, Kotagiri, which has recently been upgraded to a municipality, should have a new Amma Canteen established near the Kotagiri Government Hospital and bus stand. Furthermore, there are no Amma Canteens within the premises of the Government Medical College Hospital in Ooty or at the Government District Headquarters Hospital in Gudalur.”

The association also called for better sanitation, and uniforms, gloves, caps, and aprons to be provided for the staff.