SHILLONG, AUG 17: BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA A.L. Hek on Monday welcomed the ongoing hawkers’ relocation drive in Shillong, but stressed that the government must first provide alternative sites in each locality to protect livelihoods.
Congratulating the Urban Affairs Department for the work at Polo, Hek said:
“If we talk about Polo, because it is in my constituency, they have done a very good job. Earlier, before entering JN Stadium, the entire vicinity looked ugly. Now, after removing them, at least they are getting a nice place to run their day-to-day business.”
He, however, cautioned against mass evictions without rehabilitation.
“It is high time to ensure vendor-free roads. But it is also about their daily bread. If you suddenly remove them, what about the maintenance of the family? It will be very difficult. So first, find suitable alternative places,” he said.
Hek said accommodating all hawkers in one place was not practical and suggested area-specific markets instead. “It cannot be in one place. It has to be split in different market areas and different locations,” he said.
For Laitumkhrah, he proposed using the existing Municipal Market, which he said was sanctioned years ago during Dr. Mukul Sangma’s tenure.
“Why not shift there in the municipal market? I suggest the government make a nice hawker market there to accommodate at least the street vendors of Laitumkhrah,” Hek said.
On Jail Road, where some vendors are resisting relocation, he suggested finding a site within the area itself.
“They should find a location within Jail Road for the convenience of both residents and the vendors,” he said.
Citing his own initiative at Golf Link, Hek added:
“I am the only one who has built a hawkers’ market to accommodate street vendors from the Golf Club area. If the government finds good locations, it will be convenient for both buyers and sellers.”
By Our Reporter
