Northeast Desk, 9th October: The Meghalaya government has announced that the relocation of street vendors from Khyndailad will be completed in two phases by mid-November, as per Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
Speaking to the press, Lyngdoh revealed that around 200 to 250 vendors will be relocated, with proper permits issued as part of the phased process.
The first phase of the relocation will focus on Khyndailad, while the second phase will cover Laitumkhrah.
In addition, the government will begin creating designated areas and footpaths for pedestrians in the affected regions. Three locations have already been identified for relocating the vendors.
Addressing concerns about unregistered vendors, Lyngdoh assured that the government has initiated the registration process for a year, allowing only qualified vendors, meeting certain criteria, to be included for rehabilitation.
In June, authorities urged street vendors in the Shillong Municipality area to register with the Town Vending Committee after the completion of an in-situ survey, conducted under the Street Vendors Act 2014 and the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme 2023. This survey will help formalise the vendors’ operations and ensure their protection under the law.