The Meghalaya government is set to take up the third phase of hawkers’ relocation in Shillong in the Laitumkhrah area, with the process expected to be finalised within the next two months, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs Snaiwbhalang Dhar said on Monday. The move marks a significant step in the State’s ongoing effort to streamline street vending while addressing congestion and urban management challenges in one of the city’s busiest localities.
Dhar on Monday held a crucial meeting with East Shillong legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh, along with representatives of the Dorbar Shnong, including the Rangbah Shnong and Rangbah Dong of Laitumkhrah, to deliberate on the modalities of the relocation process.
“Today again we had a meeting about the Laitumukhra Hawkers in presence of the local MLA from East Shillong constituency Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, along with the Rongbha Shnong along with the Rongbha Dong and we have discussed thoroughly about the hawkers issue. So I think another 10 days, because we are unable to decide today, they asked me 10 days more time and we give them 10 days more time. So we will come up with a concrete decision. There are some places which need to be rechecked and reverified again, so the Dorbar Shnong has requested for 10 more days and we have given them 10 days time. Within 10 days time there will be a joint inspection by the Urban Affairs Department and Dorbar Shnong or the headmen they will go for joint inspection and they will submit the report and we will try to close this matter as early as possible. The numbers are yet to decide. The third phase of Hawkers relocation in Shillong will be in Laitumukhra, and in one or two months we will be able to complete the process,” Dhar said.
The deliberations highlighted the complexities involved in accommodating hawkers in Laitumkhrah, an area already grappling with limited road space and high vehicular and pedestrian density. Officials indicated that site verification and feasibility assessments would be critical before finalising the relocation plan.
Echoing these concerns, Lyngdoh said the proposals put forward by local stakeholders had been acknowledged, while underlining the need for caution in implementing the relocation along existing roadways.
“All our suggestions have been accepted by the Deputy Chief Minister Incharge Urban Affairs, there were abit of a glitch because roads in and around Laitumukhra are very tight, there is already big pressure from Vehicular movement, big pressure from public movement, so now we need to be little more careful when we discuss the relocation on an existing road so the DCM has listened to Durbar and us, hopefully the things should go as proposed,” she said.
With a joint inspection scheduled and a report expected within 10 days, the government aims to arrive at a concrete decision, even as it pushes to conclude the multi-phase relocation exercise within the stipulated timeframe.
Shillong hawkers’ relocation enters third phase with Laitumkhrah focus
