Vending zones marked in city; dissent runs rife

SHILLONG, Sep 20: Some vending zones and areas in the city have been marked by the East Khasi Hills district administration but many vendors are dissatisfied with the manner in which the space in different parts including Police Bazar has been allocated.
The government authorities on Monday night marked the vending zones in different areas including Jail Road and Police Bazar.
Some street vendors have, however, said that they will not accept the marking of the vending zones since it was done discreetly in the dark of the night.
It may be mentioned that the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner’s office had in August directed hawkers and street vendors occupying spaces that are obstructing major carriageways and pedestrian movement in Shillong to remove themselves from such areas.
Following this, committees headed by magistrates and comprising police personnel, officials of Shillong Municipal Board, PWD (Roads), etc., and other stakeholders inspected different areas to ensure execution of the order.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo said the vending zones were marked as part of the exercise for reducing stall space to ensure that there is no encroachment of the road or pedestrian space.