SHILLONG, OCT 8: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Thursday defended the delay in relocating hawkers, saying the government is scouting for locations that are commercially viable for them.
“There are so many places, we have not finalized, as we have to see if it will be a good business or not,” Dhar said.
He made it clear that hawkers will not be evicted without an alternative. “They are our own boys and girls we cannot throw them out. We cannot just throw them on the roadside, they are our own people,” he said.
Dhar said the department has completed vending arrangements at Khyndai Lad and Laitumkhrah and the same model will be extended to other commercial stretches.
“Khyndai Lad, Laitumkhrah is done, but before doing it we will find a place where we can accommodate them. For other places like GS Road we will replicate the same model,” he said.
“The reason for the delay is because I have to put them in the right place,” Dhar added, while asserting, “We are not disheartened, we are working only for the public. I will not tell you what I will do, but I will do what is necessary.”
*Polo Market allotted at Rs 50/sq ft*
On Polo Market, Dhar informed that the market has been allotted on lease at a rate of Rs 50 per sq ft.
“Already allotted, I forgot who but we have done transparency, we have finalized. He quoted Rs 50 per sq ft it is good rate. As of now agreement signed, I have just approved the file, it will be done accordingly,” he said.
By Our Reporter
