Shillong’s Khyndai Lad, often called the “heart of the city,” is set to witness a major transformation as authorities prepare to evict illegal hawkers from its bustling pedestrian stretch. The Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has officially announced that the eviction drive will begin on June 24, 2025. This move comes after years of legal tussles, public debate, and on-the-ground struggles between authorities, hawkers, local businesses, and residents.
The Khyndai Lad Phenomenon
Khyndai Lad, also known as Police Bazaar, is Shillong’s commercial hub. Over the decades, it has become synonymous with vibrant street life—thanks to hundreds of hawkers selling everything from fresh produce and clothing to mobile accessories and snacks. For many residents and visitors, these stalls are an integral part of the city’s charm.
However, the steady growth of informal vending has led to congestion, sanitation challenges, and complaints from shop owners with permanent establishments. The tension between economic necessity and urban order has been simmering for years.
The Impending Eviction: What Is Happening?
The Shillong Municipal Board, backed by the district administration, has served notices to unauthorized hawkers operating in Khyndai Lad. Beginning June 24, 2025, municipal teams will begin clearing illegal stalls from the stretch. The SMB’s action is aimed at restoring the original pedestrian character of the area, improving public safety, and ensuring smoother traffic flow.
Key Details:
- Date of eviction: June 24, 2025 (drive to commence from this date)
- Target area: Khyndai Lad pedestrian stretch and adjoining sidewalks
- Scope: Removal of hawkers and stalls that do not possess valid licenses or vendor certificates
While the authorities have not specified how long the drive will continue, the operation is expected to be carried out in phases to minimize disruption and maintain public order.
The Legal and Social Backdrop
Street Vendors Act: A Double-Edged Sword
The government’s actions are shaped by the Central Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. This law, passed by the Indian Parliament, aims to protect the rights of street vendors while also regulating their operations in urban spaces.
Key provisions of the Act include:
- Survey and Certification: Local authorities must conduct periodic surveys of all street vendors. Only those with valid certificates are allowed to operate.
- Town Vending Committee (TVC): Each city must have a TVC with representation from hawkers, local authorities, and the police to oversee vending zones and vendor welfare.
- Regulation, Not Removal: The Act emphasizes regulation over eviction, prioritizing the rehabilitation of vendors rather than arbitrary removal.
Local Realities: Implementation Gaps and Resistance
Despite the protective intent of the law, its on-ground implementation in Shillong has been uneven. Many hawkers allege that surveys are infrequent, certificates are hard to obtain, and TVCs lack adequate representation from actual street vendors. As a result, a large number of vendors remain “illegal” despite years of livelihood in the same location.
Repeated attempts by municipal authorities to clear the area have led to tense stand-offs, protests, and even sit-ins by hawkers’ associations. In late 2024, hawker unions demanded more transparent and fair certification processes, accusing the SMB of bypassing the law’s spirit by evicting vendors without due process.
Perspectives from Stakeholders
Authorities
The Shillong Municipal Board asserts that its actions are in the public interest. Officials argue that unchecked street vending leads to unsanitary conditions, hinders movement, and increases the risk of accidents, especially in a tourist-heavy area like Khyndai Lad. The Board maintains that only those hawkers without proper authorization are being targeted, and that genuine, certified vendors will be accommodated as per the law.
Hawkers and Vendors
For the hawkers, many of whom are women and sole breadwinners for their families, the street is not just a place of work but a lifeline. They argue that eviction without alternate arrangements or adequate consultation violates their rights and threatens their survival. Vendors’ associations have repeatedly called for proper surveys, issuance of vendor certificates, and the creation of official vending zones before any eviction is carried out.
Local Businesses and Residents
Established shop owners generally support the eviction drive, citing loss of business due to unregulated street vending and the crowding of footpaths. Some residents, while sympathetic to the plight of hawkers, express concern over rising litter, noise, and inconvenience caused by the mushrooming of stalls.
What Happens Next?
The coming days are likely to witness not just the physical clearing of stalls but also protests, negotiations, and renewed debates about urban policy in Shillong. Previous eviction drives in other Indian cities have shown that such actions, if not handled sensitively and in compliance with the law, can lead to social unrest and legal challenges.
The government has hinted at the possibility of designating alternate vending zones in the future, but specifics remain unclear. The onus is now on both authorities and hawker groups to find a workable solution that balances the need for order and cleanliness with the imperative of livelihood protection.
What Should Stakeholders Do?
- Hawkers: Stay informed about your rights under the Street Vendors Act. If you have not yet registered with the authorities or received a certificate, do so as soon as possible. Organize collectively to ensure your voice is heard in Town Vending Committees.
- Authorities: Follow the due process laid down in the law—conduct surveys, form representative TVCs, and provide alternative arrangements where possible. Transparent communication will be key to avoiding conflict.
- Local Businesses/Residents: Engage constructively with both the authorities and vendors. Recognize the role of street vendors in the local economy, but also advocate for fair regulation that maintains order.
The eviction of illegal hawkers from Khyndai Lad is not just a question of urban aesthetics or traffic management. It is a microcosm of the broader challenge faced by growing Indian cities—how to modernize and manage urban spaces without crushing the livelihoods of the most vulnerable. The days ahead will be crucial in shaping not just the future of Khyndai Lad, but also the spirit of dialogue and inclusivity in Shillong’s urban governance.
About The Author
