Shillong: Street vendors operating near the Civil Hospital were shifted to a new location at the Public Works Department premises in Barik on Wednesday as part of an initiative by the Shillong Municipal Board, drawing varied responses from those affected.
Some vendors expressed concern that the move could disrupt their customer base in the short term, while others said they were thankful that an alternative vending site had been arranged instead of an outright eviction.
For many, the assurance of being able to continue their livelihood outweighed the uncertainty surrounding footfall at the new spot.
A woman vendor pointed out that the Barik site offers better protection from adverse weather conditions, particularly during rain and strong winds.
She said vendors were optimistic that regular customers would follow them to the new location.
Although no formal announcement has been made by the civic body regarding operating hours, vendors said their association had conveyed that business could continue until 11 pm.
Another hawker described the relocation as a positive step, saying it reflected the government’s sensitivity towards the needs of small traders.
He added that the covered space would be especially helpful during inclement weather, though he felt it was still too early to judge how the shift would affect sales.
Vendors said that stalls had been earmarked for about 31 hawkers at the Barik premises, with 24 of them setting up shop on the first day of relocation.
The move, however, has also sparked questions from the Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association, which has sought clarity on whether the arrangement is meant to be temporary or permanent.
The association has urged the state government to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to formally outline the terms of the relocation.
