Shillong, July 7, 2025: Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to relocating street vendors from Shillong’s commercial hubs, stating that the entire process would be completed by July 22, by the Meghalaya High Court’s directive.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh defended the government’s approach, saying, “Are the streets their natural habitat, their home? We’ve done more than any other government would have. We created designated vendor zones, invested in infrastructure, and gave them over a year to move. We’ve been very fair.”

He confirmed that the first phase of the relocation was already underway and said the remaining phases would follow soon after. “The Court has given us a clear deadline, and we expect full compliance by then. Everything will be in place before the 22nd,” he stated.

Addressing concerns raised by vendors about poor amenities at the MUDA complex, the minister remarked, “There will always be people who complain. But our priority is pedestrian safety and reclaiming public spaces.”

As part of the broader urban planning strategy, Lyngdoh also unveiled the first phase of a pedestrianization project. The plan involves converting the stretch from the entry point to Khyndai Lad up to Jail Road (on the right side) into a pedestrian-only zone.

“Access will be restricted. Only residents of that specific area will be issued entry passes, and even they will have designated timings to enter and exit. This is to ensure safety and smooth movement for pedestrians,” Lyngdoh explained.

He emphasized that this is just the beginning. “Phase 1 is already in place. Once it succeeds, we will move on to the next phases,” he added.

The relocation and pedestrianization drive is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to decongest Shillong’s busiest streets and restore public order in key areas of the city.