SHILLONG: Street vendors who were operating on the footpath in front of Civil Hospital, Shillong, have been successfully relocated to a newly constructed vending zone provided by the government, bringing significant relief to pedestrians and easing traffic congestion in the area.
Following the relocation, the footpath outside the hospital has been completely cleared, allowing for smoother and safer movement of pedestrians as well as vehicles passing through the busy stretch.
The vendors welcomed the initiative, stating that the new vending zone offers better working conditions, including protection from rain and strong winds. They noted that the coordinated approach adopted by the authorities in consultation with the vendors resulted in a mutually beneficial outcome.
At the same time, the vendors expressed hope that the authorities would ensure the cleared footpath remains free from future encroachments.
According to the vendors, around 30 individuals have been shifted to a specially developed vending area near the PWD office at Barik. The facility was created specifically to accommodate those who had earlier been operating in front of Civil Hospital due to the absence of alternative vending spaces.
Describing the relocation as a step in the right direction, one vendor acknowledged that their earlier presence on the footpath had caused inconvenience to pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Another vendor expressed gratitude to the government for providing a designated vending space, stating that the lack of proper alternatives had previously compelled them to operate on the footpath to sustain their livelihood.
She further urged the authorities to address certain shortcomings at the new site and voiced hope that the vendors’ long-pending issues would be resolved in due course.
