Shillong, March 23 : The Meghalaya government has granted ten days to finalise plans for relocating street hawkers from Laitumkhrah after discussions on Monday failed to reach a conclusive decision. Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, said the meeting — attended by East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh and Dorbar Shnong representatives — ended without a concrete outcome, describing it as having “some plus, some minus.”
Dhar informed that a joint inspection will be conducted by the Urban Affairs Department and the Dorbar Shnong of Laitumkhrah within the next ten days. A detailed report will be submitted thereafter to help the government take a final call. “They have asked me for ten days’ time, so I have given time to take a concrete decision,” Dhar told reporters, adding that certain locations need to be rechecked and verified.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that authorities are yet to determine the exact number of hawkers to be relocated, citing the presence of both existing and new vendors. He said the final figure is expected to be decided in the coming week. Once the list is finalised, a legal notice period of at least 30 days will be required before relocation can begin. Dhar expressed hope that the entire process could be completed within one to two months in accordance with legal provisions.
MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh said suggestions from local headmen were taken into consideration during the meeting. However, she highlighted challenges due to narrow roads and heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic in Laitumkhrah. “There are glitches because roads in and around Laitumkhrah are very tight, with significant pressure from both vehicles and the public. We need to be cautious while planning relocation,” she said, adding that the Deputy CM had been receptive to the concerns raised. Lyngdoh declined to disclose the number of hawkers involved, noting that parts of the matter are sub judice.
The government aims to resolve the issue at the earliest following the joint inspection and submission of the report, with efforts underway to balance urban management and livelihood concerns.
