SHILLONG, July 1: Indigenous vendors operating at the Khasi Market in Motphran have petitioned Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for an urgent infrastructure overhaul, citing serious concerns over safety, ventilation, and emergency preparedness.
The Synjuk ki Nongdie Jain Khasi Market, representing nearly 90 vendors, submitted a memorandum seeking to transform the current facility into a modern public space that prioritises hygiene and environmental sustainability.
The vendors, who were relocated from the Motphran Bridge area to the Pahsyntiew Ri-Bhoi Parking Lot, highlighted that the current site lacks adequate ventilation and sufficient access points. They argued that these deficiencies create significant risks for both traders and customers in the event of a fire or natural disaster.
The association noted that the market is a vital source of livelihood for hundreds of indigenous families, particularly elderly women. To improve the facility, they have requested wider entry and exit points, dedicated emergency escape routes, and high-capacity ventilation systems.
Beyond structural changes, the vendors called for modern civic amenities, including proper sanitation, scientific waste disposal, fire safety equipment, and energy-efficient lighting. They urged the state government to invest in the redevelopment to ensure the market becomes a disaster-resilient and people-friendly space for the thousands of daily visitors.
