By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 7: The state government is pinning hopes on a successful relocation of registered hawkers and street vendors from Khyndai Lad to the three designated zones by July 22, in order to launch an ambitious beautification project that includes declaring the Police Bazar-Umsohsun and Jail Road stretches as pedestrian zones.
Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday announced that once the areas are designated as pedestrian zones, residents of these localities will be issued passes to reach home, with entry and exit timings.
Lyngdoh said the recent High Court’s direction on a fixed three-hour business timing for hawkers from 12.30 pm to 2 pm and from 7.30 pm to 9 pm in the area till the relocation is done only strengthens the Meghalaya government’s case.
“By July 22, we expect complete compliance with the High Court’s order by all vendors. They will be fully relocated before July 22,” he said, while adding that all roadside business activities in the area will be frozen from July 22.
The High Court has appointed senior advocate Subhasis Chakrawarty as a special officer to oversee the ongoing eviction of street vendors in Khyndai Lad area, ensuring strict adherence to the law and maintaining peace during the drive.
The special officer will supervise the process, prepare a verified list of licensed vendors, and coordinate with the Shillong Roadside Hawkers Association and local authorities.
Last week, the state government announced that it would provide a shifting allowance of Rs 10,000 (Rs 2,000 per month for five months) each to the registered hawkers after they relocate to the designated places.
Announcing the same, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said all steps of the government (to relocate the registered hawkers) will be in accordance with the provisions of the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.