SHILLONG, JULY 1: Citing risks to public safety and health, the Synjuk ki Nongdie Jain Khasi Market has urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to immediately upgrade the Khasi Market at Motphran into a modern, disaster-resilient and people-friendly marketplace.
In a memorandum submitted on July 1, the association of around ninety indigenous Khasi vendors said the current infrastructure is inadequate and poses danger during emergencies.
The appeal was signed by President Smt. Shebarnarlene Nongbet and Secretary Smt. Larisuk Ranee.
“We submit this memorandum for your kind and sympathetic consideration regarding several urgent infrastructural deficiencies that require immediate intervention in the larger interest of public safety, public health, environmental well-being, and the welfare of the local vendors and consumers,” the memorandum said.
The vendors stressed the cultural and economic significance of the market. “The Khasi Market is not only merely a commercial establishment, it is also a symbol of the socio-economic identity, cultural heritage, and traditional livelihood of the indigenous Khasi community,” they said, adding that many elderly mothers have earned their livelihood there for generations. According to the vendors, they were earlier operating from the Motphran Bridge area and have since been temporarily shifted to the Pahsyntiew Ri-Bhoi Parking Lot.
“We operate our daily livelihood inconveniently,” they said, noting that hundreds of citizens including women, children, senior citizens and tourists visit the market daily.
The memorandum warned that the existing market hall is ill-equipped to handle disasters. “The present condition of the market hall creates danger zone for earthquake, emergency evacuation, big ventilation, and the health of congestion, restricts the free circulation of air, and exposes occupants to unnecessary risks during emergencies,” it said.
Pointing to poor ventilation and lack of exits, the vendors said the situation impacts health and safety.
“In the unfortunate event of any natural disaster or fire emergency, the existing infrastructure may not provide sufficient means for the safe evacuation of hundreds or thousands of occupants. Furthermore, the inadequate circulation of fresh air inside the market shall adversely affect the health, comfort, and productivity of our local vendors who shall spend long hours inside the building hall every day,” the memorandum said.
Among their requests are two large main entrances and exits to reduce overcrowding, dedicated emergency exit gates, and high-capacity ventilators to ensure continuous airflow and eliminate heat and humidity. The group also sought development of the market as a model facility with proper sanitation, fire safety systems, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
“A marketplace should never merely be a centre of commerce, it must also be a place that protects human life, promotes public health, preserves human dignity, and provides a safe and welcoming environment for every citizen,” the vendors said.
Expressing confidence in the government, the Synjuk said it believes “under your visionary leadership, the Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, public welfare, and the upliftment of indigenous communities will inspire favourable consideration of this genuine appeal.” The vendors said their livelihoods depend on the market and urged the Chief Minister to act on priority.
“By addressing these urgent concerns, under your leadership, the government will not only improve public safety and environmental health but will also leave a lasting legacy of responsible governance, compassion, and sustainable development for generations to come,” the memorandum said.
By Our Reporter
