SHILLONG, June 5: East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh, has called on the Laitumkhrah Dorbar Pyllun to address the issue of pavement degradation along Laitumkhrah Main Road.
Speaking at a local function here on Wednesday, Lyngdoh highlighted the hazardous nature of the encroachment, which includes people setting up kitchens and selling fish and chicken on the main road.
Lyngdoh stressed the need for collective action to resolve the issue without jeopardizing livelihoods. “Let’s organise ourselves to ensure that we clear these pavements without harming or disturbing anybody’s livelihood,” she urged.
Addressing reporters, one of the Rangbah Shnongs of Laitumkhrah Dorbar Pyllun, Andrew A Jyrwa, pointed out the filthy condition of the road from Don Bosco Square to Fire Brigade due to garbage left by hawkers overnight. He expressed concern over the encroachment on the road, which poses a risk to pedestrians, particularly students from nearby educational institutions.
“Many students who walk to school and back are at high risk of being hit by vehicles since they have to walk on the road,” Jyrwa said, emphasising the need for proactive measures to ensure pedestrian safety.
Jyrwa noted that the Laitumkhrah Dorbar Pyllun adheres to the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and cannot forcefully evict hawkers without providing alternative arrangements. He acknowledged opposition from residents of Veronica Lane regarding the relocation of hawkers but expressed hope for a constructive dialogue.
“We have tried to explain our intention to relocate the hawkers and hope that good sense will prevail, allowing us to relocate them to the identified location,” Jyrwa stated.
The government has proposed relocating around 80 hawkers to Veronica Lane to free the pavements from Laitumkhrah police point to Beat House, a move aimed at addressing the encroachment issue.
