Shillong: Shillong residents want a plan. They are demanding the state government establish a clear hawker policy before stalls overrun the New Shillong Township and Knowledge City. These two massive projects involve investments reaching thousands of crores.
Hawkers already clutter roads in Mawdiandiang. Many stalls now line the route to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, or NEIGRIHMS. Vendors have operated outside the hospital for some time.
Locals fear these new developments will mirror existing urban failures. They worry about traffic congestion, blocked pavements, and shrinking parking space. The government previously moved hawkers into parking lots in parts of Shillong. This decision backfired. Residents claim it led to a noticeable reduction in available parking for the public.
The current situation serves as a warning. "Residents have reportedly already apprised the state government of the possible challenges that could arise if hawkers are allowed to occupy public spaces in the New Shillong Township and Knowledge City," according to sources. Citizens insist on strict enforcement to keep roads and walkways clear as construction continues.
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