Shillong, Jan 30: Shillong hawkers relocation timeline was placed before the High Court of Meghalaya after the Shillong Municipal Board informed the court that efforts are underway to relocate all identified hawkers in phases by March 30, 2026.
During the hearing of a public interest case related to street vending and urban congestion, the municipal board submitted that the verification of hawkers is currently in progress. The court was informed that claims and objections from hawkers will be examined and addressed on or before February 15, 2026.
The municipal board stated that a section of hawkers has already been relocated to designated vending areas. Time was sought to place a detailed status chart before the court indicating the number of vendors shifted and the locations where relocation has been completed.
One of the petitioners informed the court that while hawkers have been removed from certain areas, road congestion continues due to the introduction of pay-and-park facilities on public roads. It was submitted that traffic conditions have not shown noticeable improvement in some stretches despite the removal of vendors.
The state government, represented by the Additional Advocate General, informed the court that instructions would be obtained on the concerns raised by the petitioners. The government also sought time to submit a comprehensive affidavit outlining steps taken to manage traffic congestion and regulate public spaces in the city.
Taking note of the submissions, the division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh directed the state government to file the affidavit within three weeks and to serve advance copies to all parties involved.
The court fixed February 24, 2026, as the next date of hearing in the matter. The ongoing relocation exercise forms part of a broader plan to shift street vendors to notified vending zones within the city.
