Shillong street vendors relocation began on July 2, 2025, as the Meghalaya government started shifting nearly 400 vendors to designated vending zones in the city. Despite a one-time relocation aid of Rs 20,000 per vendor, the move has sparked protests over livelihood concerns and location disputes.
Although the government is offering a one-time relocation allowance of Rs 20,000, the decision has sparked protests among many vendors who fear loss of livelihood and lower customer footfall at the new locations.
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Vendors Shifted to Temporary Marketplaces
According to officials, around 400 vendors from areas like Khyndailad, Motphran, and Laitumkhrah were asked to move. The SMB arranged temporary vending zones at Polo, Anjali, and Mawlong Hat. These areas are equipped with basic infrastructure like stalls, water points, and waste disposal units.
The Shillong street vendors relocation was planned after months of surveys and consultations. However, several vendors claim they received short notice and lacked proper guidance about their new vending spots.
Government Offers Financial Assistance
To soften the impact, the Meghalaya Urban Affairs Department has announced a relocation aid of Rs 20,000 for each registered vendor. The assistance is aimed at helping them set up at the new sites and recover early business losses.
Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said, “We understand the vendors’ concerns. The support package will help them restart without burden.”
The government has also promised free transport of goods and materials to the new locations. This part of the Shillong street vendors relocation plan is already underway, with municipal vans deployed for logistics.
Protests Erupt Across the City
Despite the incentives, many vendors are unhappy with the relocation. On Wednesday, several groups staged demonstrations outside the SMB office. Protesters said the new locations are far from the city’s commercial core and lack sufficient customer traffic.
“We are not against development. But our livelihoods are at stake,” said Merisha Dkhar, a vegetable seller from Khyndailad. Others said they weren’t properly consulted before the relocation decision was finalized.
The vendors also fear that footfall in the designated vending zones will remain low, especially during weekdays. As a result, many say the Shillong street vendors relocation could push them into poverty.
Legal Orders Spark the Action
The relocation follows a 2024 order by the Meghalaya High Court, which directed the state to regulate street vending in Shillong. The court had asked the government to ensure compliance with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
Under this Act, vendors must be registered, and vending zones must be identified. Authorities say they followed these rules, but implementation challenges persist.
The SMB said that without proper relocation, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety in Shillong would continue to worsen. This enforcement-driven approach has led to friction between civic authorities and street vendors.
Opposition Slams the Timing
The opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and Congress, criticized the state government’s timing. They argued that the relocation drive should have waited until after the monsoon season.
TMC leader Mukul Sangma said, “These vendors face enough challenges already. Forcing them to move in the middle of the rainy season shows poor planning.”
Opposition leaders also questioned whether the Rs 20,000 aid would be enough for vendors to adapt to the new areas. According to them, the Shillong street vendors relocation lacks transparency and long-term planning.
Some Vendors Cooperate, Others Resist
While protests continued, some vendors have already moved to the new zones. These early movers said they had no choice but to comply. A few reported better space and cleaner surroundings at the Polo market zone.
However, a large section of vendors continues to resist the shift. They are demanding a public consultation and review of the vending zone locations. Civil society groups have also offered to mediate between the government and vendor associations.
What Lies Ahead?
The Urban Affairs Department has urged vendors to cooperate and assured that the relocation process will be phased. Officials plan to monitor business at the new sites and offer additional support if needed.
Authorities also plan to launch a public awareness campaign to help customers visit the new vending zones. This will be crucial to making the Shillong street vendors relocation a success.
The Shillong street vendors relocation reflects a difficult balance between urban planning and livelihood protection. While the Meghalaya government has introduced incentives, many vendors remain skeptical. The coming weeks will be key in determining whether the new system helps or hurts one of the city’s most vital informal sectors.
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