East Khasi Hills Orders Eviction of Shillong-Dawki Road Vendors

Shillong: East Khasi Hills district officials slapped eviction notices on vendors operating at 4th Mile and 7th Mile along the Shillong-Dawki Road. The administration claims these businesses illegally encroached on the highway. Public complaints and pressure from local shnong authorities triggered the crackdown. The Meghalaya High Court also flagged the unauthorized fruit stalls and shops lining the route.

The crackdown extends beyond simple real estate issues. The administration ordered the Excise Department to probe illegal liquor resale at the same locations. Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal confirmed that officials raided the area three or four times. They seized multiple cartons of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and stacks of empty bottles. These stalls obstruct traffic and break the law.

The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act of 2002 bans commercial structures inside the Right of Way. Baranwal noted that clearing these obstacles is essential for public safety and follows Supreme Court orders. The administration is now reviewing formal responses from the vendors. "The administration is reviewing the vendors' submissions. After completing that process, we will consult NHIDCL to establish whether the stalls are legally permitted," Baranwal said.

Officials plan to talk with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to confirm if any stall holds a valid permit. The state government and federal ministries continue to monitor the progress of these removals closely.