Shillong: Meghalaya is clearing its streets. Officials shifted 785 hawkers from busy roads to six managed vending sites to fix traffic snarls and open up footpaths. Vendors from Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti, Malki, Barik, Laban, and Last Stop now operate out of the Brightwell Campus Hawkers Market and the Shillong Municipal Board parking lot at Dhankheti.
This effort follows earlier moves involving 387 vendors from Khyndai Lad who moved to the MUDA Hawker Market. Others from MTC, Jail Road, and Polo landed at the Polo Hawkers Market and the SMB parking area near the SBI branch. Total counts show 387 vendors at MUDA, 138 at Brightwell, 119 at Polo, 75 near SBI, 37 at Dhankheti, and 29 at the PWD Campus.
The state offers Rs 20,000 to each eligible vendor through the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant. East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh noted that authorities aim for an “inclusive relocation” as they balance public space use with individual income. While some hawkers report sluggish sales, Lyngdoh argued that new markets need time to grow. The government plans to boost foot traffic at sites like Brightwell Bungalow by adding libraries, parking, night markets, and live performances.
Authorities will review the situation after September 30. Any unregistered vendors should contact the Shillong Municipal Board for help. Lyngdoh asked those with grievances to speak directly with the CEO and Director of Urban Affairs rather than complaining informally. Further reviews may occur in January if current issues persist.
Comments