Govt to adopt uniform approach for hawker relocation in city
Shillong, Aug 20: Come November and Shillong may not see any hawkers along roadsides in the congested areas. The government has planned to complete the process of relocation of hawkers in various areas of the city by November this year.
The government plans to relocate hawkers from areas like Laitumkhrah, Civil Hospital Point, Them Bijoy up to Motphran in a phased manner, tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said on Wednesday.
“These are major commercial areas and we have a target date of completing all relocation and decongesting of these areas by November this year,” he told reporters.
The minister pointed out that said the government has successfully relocated vendors in Khyndailad, transforming it into a bustling pedestrian zone.
Despite challenges, the project has been a success, and the government is now focusing on other major commercial areas, he added.
Meanwhile, the state government is working on a uniform formula to address the problem of unauthorised vending on the roadside through relocation of hawkers and street vendors as done in Khyndailad.
The government will adopt the same approach, as in Khyndailad, in other areas, ensuring consistency in the relocation process, said deputy chief minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday.
Genuine and licensed hawkers have been relocated to a designated vending zone in Khyndailad to establish a pedestrian zone and boost tourism in the city’s commercial hub.
Hawkers were provided a relocation allowance of Rs 10,000 and an additional Rs 2,000 per month for next five months.
“We will work it accordingly. The same formula will apply to all the places. Let the time come but we will do nicely,” Dhar told reporters when asked about the plans to relocate street vendors in other congested areas in the city.
The government will continue to survey and identify more spaces in different locations to rehabilitate hawkers, he said.
The minister emphasised that the department is working on a phased manner to address the issue of unauthorised vending in areas like Laitumkhrah and other important locations.
The Shillong Municipal Board was directed by the Meghalaya High Court to submit a report on the number of vending licenses issued and vendors without licenses in Laitumkhrah area.
Meanwhile, Dhar said the government is committed to resolving the issue in accordance with law and ensured that eligible hawkers in Khyndailad would receive Certificates of Vending (CoV).
He asserted that the relocated hawkers have expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts, and requested for additional facilities such as electricity, water, and toilets.
“We have assured them that their concerns will be addressed, and efforts are being made to accommodate all eligible hawkers,” he said.
