SHILLONG, Nov 3: Following the recent government proposal to relocate hawkers and transform Police Bazar and Thana Road into pedestrian-only zones, the Police Bazar Welfare Society (PBWS), representing local residents and businesses, has voiced appreciation for the hawker relocation but raised concerns over the impact of a pedestrian-only zone on residents and local commerce.
The PBWS, representing Ward 9, commended the government’s move to manage congestion and create safer spaces by relocating hawkers. However, they stressed that a complete pedestrianisation of Police Bazar would disrupt essential access for residents, who have lived and operated businesses in the area for over a century. The group noted that even before and during British rule, Police Bazar and Thana Road were motorable, facilitating both residential and commercial needs.
“Khyndai Lad is a mixed residential and business hub, and goods-carrying vehicles must be allowed access for loading and unloading. A pedestrian-only zone would severely hamper business activities,” stated a PBWS spokesperson.
The society highlighted the challenges residents would face, particularly elderly citizens, children, and individuals with health issues, if vehicles are barred from the area. They emphasised that during inclement weather, access restrictions would pose significant hardship for families and school-going children.
It further pointed out that restricting vehicle access would impact residents’ constitutional rights to reach their homes. In a survey, the society found that approximately 25 resident-owned vehicles require access to the area, and these do not cause congestion, especially with no roadside parking allowed. PBWS argues that with hawkers relocated, the decongested road could still accommodate limited vehicular access without impeding pedestrian space.
“Any decision on Police Bazar’s pedestrianisation must consider the interests of all stakeholders,” the society added, while urging the state government to devise a plan that balances safety, congestion reduction, and the rights of residents and business owners.
