SHILLONG, May 14: The state government intends to make Khyndai Lad a hawker-free zone by mid-July.
“We expect to complete the entire task by the end of June and look forward to a hawker-free Khyndai Lad by mid-July this year,” said Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
Lyngdoh also informed that all stakeholders have been included in the discussions and meetings regarding the relocation of the hawkers. “There have been many exchanges and serious meetings, and the registration process for vendors is progressing well in collaboration with various vending organisations,” he said.
He further stated, “As many as 200 vendors will be rehabilitated, and spaces for their rehabilitation have already been identified and earmarked.”
Once the hawkers are relocated in the first phase, the Tourism department plans to encourage busking by musicians. Additionally, the state government is focusing on redesigning and revamping activities at Khyndai Lad and surrounding areas to curb any illegal or immoral activities.
It is worth noting that an estimated 1.5 million domestic and foreign tourists visited Meghalaya in 2023.
The tourism industry in Meghalaya is expected to grow to Rs 12,000 crore by 2028, with annual visitor footfall increasing to 2 million. The state’s tourism industry was valued at Rs 1,600 crore in 2022 and is projected to grow by 10 per cent annually.
