Raphael Warjri

In a major regulatory move, district authorities on Monday morning launched an eviction drive against unlicensed street vendors operating in the Khyndailad and Police Bazaar areas. The action specifically targeted vendors without a valid Certificate of Vending (CoV), which is issued by the Shillong Municipal Board.

The operation commenced around 9 a.m., with officials ensuring that only those without the required permits were evicted. Vendors holding valid CoVs were granted time to relocate their stalls to the designated vending zone on the top floor of the MUDA Complex, as provided by the state government.

Authorities have set July 22 as the final deadline for licensed vendors to shift to the new location.

The move comes in the wake of the state government's decision to declare Khyndailad a “No Vending Zone” as part of a broader initiative to decongest roads, improve pedestrian safety, and transform the area into a Pedestrian Zone and Music Hub aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal to residents and tourists alike.

Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh informed that the department has completed the construction of 400 vending units within the MUDA Complex to accommodate eligible vendors. So far, 248 vendors have confirmed their relocation to the new vending zone.