Shillong, Aug 17: The Shillong Municipal Board has relocated 86 hawkers from Laitumkhrah to a designated vending area at Dhankheti parking lot and Brightwell Bunglow in Barik.
This is part of the ongoing drive to decongest footpaths and roads in the city.
Chief Executive Officer of SMB PK Boro said the exercise was carried out after due notice and with the cooperation of the vendors.
“Here we have 86 hawkers. All will be relocated to Dhankheti and Brightwell Bunglow. Everything has been arranged and done. They are all obeying, complying and cooperating with us,” Boro said.
He said the relocation was not an overnight action and that vendors had been given sufficient time to prepare.
“This is not about one day. We had issued notices giving them one month’s time and today is the day for relocation. They have all accepted and relocated,” he said.
The SMB official said the move is aimed at making streets and footpaths in Laitumkhrah cleaner and more pedestrian-friendly after hawkers were seen occupying public spaces.
Regarding hawkers’ issue in Jail Road, Boro said that issue would be dealt with separately.
He said the government is extending financial assistance to all hawkers and street vendors affected by the relocation.
