Shillong authorities relocate 86 street vendors to new zones

Authorities in Shillong have relocated 86 roadside hawkers and vendors from the Laitumkhrah and Fire Brigade areas to designated vending zones. The move is part of a phased plan by the Shillong Municipal Board to regulate street vending and decongest busy city stretches, following a High Court directive.

The relocated vendors were moved to specific locations at SMB Parking Lot in Dhanketi and Brightwell Bungalow in Barik. To ensure organized distribution, the allotment of stalls at these new sites was conducted through trade-wise draws of lots. Officials, including Shillong Municipal Board CEO PK Boro, stated that the vendors cooperated with the relocation process.

The exercise has faced opposition from the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Street Vendors Association. The association has raised concerns regarding the violation of the Street Vendors Act, 2014, alleging that many eligible vendors have not received Certificates of Vending and that the removal of certain vending zones was done without proper consultation. Vendors also expressed fears that moving away from high-footfall areas could negatively impact their livelihoods.