Shillong: The Meghalaya government has announced plans to relocate around 200 registered hawkers and street vendors from Shillong’s Khyndailad area by the end of November.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to convert the area into a pedestrian zone, making it more attractive to tourists and visitors.
According to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, the state government will not allow unregistered hawkers to operate in the area.
This decision comes after the Meghalaya High Court directed the state government to submit a report by January 6 on how street vendors are impacting traffic movement and causing jams.
The rehabilitation process for hawkers began on August 13, with the state government awaiting details of various trades.
Minister Lyngdoh emphasized that no more than two people in the same business will be allowed to operate in the same location. Additionally, the government is implementing safety measures for workers who use energy sources like fire.
Initially, the state government had set August 15 as the target to rehabilitate hawkers. However, the identification of trades and names of individuals took longer than expected, causing delays.
The conversion of Khyndailad into a pedestrian zone aims to enhance the tourist experience in Shillong. The government plans to invest Rs. 25 crore in building a world-class skywalk from Khyndailad to Barik point, connecting other parts of the city.
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