Shillong, July 7: Tourism minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh on Monday asserted that the hawkers will be relocated to MUDA complex by July 22 whereas the High Court-appointed special officer got time till August 5 to address the issue.
The special officer, Subhasis Chakrawarty had met the Municipal authorities and the hawkers’ association to discuss the matter.
He will be holding a joint meeting shortly.before submitting a report to the court.
However, speaking to reporters on Monday, Lyngdoh said the government is firm on implementing the deadline of July 22 for the relocation of hawkers and street vendors from Khyndailad area.
Lyngdoh said, “The government expects complete compliance of the order for relocation of hawkers by July 22. We have adequate manpower and also the high court verdict has infact strengthened our case and by July 22, we expect complete compliance. Everything will freeze on that day itself.”
However, the court has not mentioned anything on July 22 in the recent order but entrusted the special officer with terms of reference to submit his findings and the next hearing will be on August 5.
Lyngdoh said the government wants movement of pedestrians in congested areas, including the stretch from Khyndailad to Jail Road and Umsohsun, with beautification and restricted access for residents with passes.
The first phase of the project is already underway, with the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) having necessary plans in place.
“There will be beautification. There will be pedestrianization and only those staying in that particular area will be issued passes, which will allow them to reach their homes and that also it will not be throughout the day. We will have entry timing and exit timing,” he said.
Lyngdoh said the government has been fair and invested in providing vendors with over a year’s time to relocate.
“We have done much more than any government would have done. We have gone out of our way, invested in that space and given them more than a year’s time to relocate. We have been very fair,” he added.
