Shillong, Jan 22: The Urban Affairs Department has given itself a pat on the back for the relocation of 29 street vendors from around the Shillong Civil Hospital area to a newly constructed vending zone at the adjacent Barik Point.
Vendors have reportedly expressed satisfaction with the new site, noting that it provides adequate space and protection from rain and wind.
According to the government, clearing the footpath in front of the hospital has significantly improved pedestrian movement, vehicle flow and the movement of emergency vehicles.
According to authorities, the initiative has been well received by all stakeholders, including vendors and citizens.
This is the second major relocation drive carried out by the Urban Affairs Department, the first being the move of hawkers from Khyndailad to the MUDA parking lot. That move has not been universally welcomed, as some vendors have reported cramped and unsanitary conditions, loss of income and other problems.
With the Civil Hospital move there had been concerns expressed by a hawkers’ association that certain genuine vendors were not allocated places in the relocation.
