As many as 86 roadside hawkers and vendors were relocated on Monday from the Laitumkhrah and Fire Brigade areas of Shillong to designated vending spaces at Dhankheti and Brightwell Bungalow as part of efforts to regulate roadside vending and decongest some of the city’s busiest stretches. Of the 86 eligible vendors in Laitumkhrah, 30 were issued Certificates of Vending (COVs) for Dhankheti, while 101 COVs were issued for Brightwell Bungalow, including 78 vendors from Laitumkhrah. In addition, eight eligible vendors were identified from Malki and 74 from Barik, Laban, Lumshatsngi and other areas.
Shillong Municipal Board Chief Executive Officer PK Boro said the relocation was being carried out with the cooperation of the vendors. “There are 86 roadside hawkers and vendors we are relocating today. Everything is arranged, everything is done. Hawkers are obeying the order and cooperating. All accepted,” Boro said.
The allotment of stalls at the designated locations is being carried out through trade-wise draws of lots to ensure an organised distribution of vending spaces. Police personnel, Dorbar Shnong members and Municipal Board officials are present to facilitate the exercise, while additional personnel are being deployed if required. East Shillong MLA Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh is also present.
The relocation, however, marks a significant change for vendors who have operated for years from established locations in Laitumkhrah and the Fire Brigade area. While the authorities have emphasised the need to bring greater order to roadside vending, affected hawkers have expressed concerns that moving away from high-footfall areas could disrupt their existing customer base and affect their livelihoods. The authorities are proceeding with the relocation while seeking to provide the vendors with designated spaces at the new locations.
86 roadside hawkers, vendors relocated from Laitumkhrah, Fire Brigade areas
