Khyndai Lad To Become Pedestrian Zone

The Meghalaya government is aiming to successfully relocate all hawkers and street vendors from Khyndai Lad to initiate a major beautification project. This includes converting the Police Bazar–Umsohsun and Jail Road areas into pedestrian-only zones. Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated that residents will be issued access passes with specific entry and exit timings. Referring to the High Court’s directive allowing hawkers to operate only from 12:30–2:00 pm and 7:30–9:00 pm until relocation, Lyngdoh said full vendor compliance is expected by July 22, after which all roadside trade in the area will cease.

Senior advocate Subhasis Chakrawarty has been appointed as special officer to oversee the eviction process, ensuring legal compliance and coordination. To support the move, the state has announced a relocation allowance of ₹10,000 per vendor, paid in monthly installments over five months.