Meghalaya Government to Relocate Street Vendors in Phased Approach by Mid-November

The Meghalaya government has announced a structured plan to relocate street vendors from Khyndailad, set to be completed in two phases by mid-November, according to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.

In a press conference, Lyngdoh detailed that approximately 200 to 250 vendors would be affected by this relocation, with official permits being issued as part of the organized process. The first phase will focus specifically on Khyndailad, while the second phase will extend to the Laitumkhrah area.

As part of this initiative, the government will also establish designated pedestrian pathways and areas in the affected locations, with three potential sites already identified for the vendors’ new placements.

Addressing worries regarding unregistered vendors, Lyngdoh assured that a registration process has been implemented over the past year, enabling only those vendors who meet specific criteria to qualify for rehabilitation.

In June, authorities called on street vendors operating within the Shillong Municipality area to register with the Town Vending Committee. This move followed an in-situ survey conducted under the Street Vendors Act 2014 and the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme 2023, aimed at formalizing vendor operations and ensuring their legal protection.

This initiative marks a significant step towards organizing street vending in Shillong, balancing urban planning with the livelihoods of local vendors.