Shillong: Shillong’s footpaths remain a perilous obstacle course for schoolchildren, forcing them onto busy roads and into the path of traffic, a direct consequence of the Meghalaya government’s stalled vendor protection scheme, the High Court observed this week. Despite repeated assurances of progress in tackling illegal street vending, the state’s ambitious Meghalaya State Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023, is yet to see the light of day.
Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, presiding over two public interest litigations, highlighted that while authorities have indeed begun registering legitimate vendors and earmarking vending zones, the crucial framework designed to regulate street hawkers comprehensively is still languishing. The judges underscored a grave public safety issue arising from this inertia: “Special danger is caused to school-going students who are unable to use the footpath and are compelled to walk on the road, exposing themselves to traffic accidents.”
The ongoing legal battle, initiated by public-spirited citizens Philip Khrawbok Shati and Andrew Aibok Jyrwa, aims to usher in a new era for Shillong, transforming it into a “modern, clean and well-administered city” through systematic regulation of street vendors, streamlined traffic flow, and adequate parking facilities. Their efforts have kept the spotlight firmly on the government’s commitments.
Even as state counsel offered fresh assurances of dedicated action, a recent affidavit submitted by the petitioners painted a contrasting picture, revealing gaping holes in the on-ground execution. The court acknowledged, “there is some substance in the statements made in that affidavit,” lending credence to claims that roads and footpaths continue to be illegally occupied, hindering public movement.
With the state’s advocate reaffirming the government’s resolve for swift implementation, the court granted a final opportunity to demonstrate tangible progress. It directed the state to submit a comprehensive action report by July 1, detailing concrete steps taken, with the next hearing slated for July 3. The judges were clear: this report must meticulously address the petitioners’ concerns and unequivocally showcase the practical implementation of the long-awaited vendor protection scheme.
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