The Meghalaya High Court has directed the district administration to take immediate legal action against new encroachments by illegal street vendors while also seeking a report on the implementation of urban development policies aimed at making Shillong a modern, clean, and well-administered city.
A bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh issued the directive while hearing a PIL on street encroachments. The court ordered authorities to implement, without delay, the policies and proposals outlined in a report prepared by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Affairs Department. In its order, the bench stressed the need for strict vigilance to identify, remove, and prevent fresh encroachments. It also directed the administration to take legal action against street vendors occupying public spaces unlawfully, penalize errant vehicle drivers for traffic violations and illegal parking, and ensure that road space is not further reduced due to unauthorized vending or parking. The matter has been made returnable on May 8, 2025, with the Commissioner and Secretary required to submit a progress report by May 6, 2025.
The court was informed that a survey of street vendors in Shillong had been initiated, and the Provisional Town Vending Committee had convened meetings on December 5, 2024, February 5, 2025, and February 14, 2025. The survey identified 25 vending locations across Shillong, providing space for 1,400 vendors, with the new system taking effect from February 7, 2025. An official notification has been issued for the relocation of a substantial number of vendors in an effort to streamline operations and ensure a smooth transition to the designated vending areas.
A State Level Committee has been constituted to oversee traffic and street movement regulation across seven zones, including Sardar Traffic Branch, Lumdiengjri Traffic Branch, Laitumkhrah Traffic Branch, Madanriting Traffic Branch, Rynjah Traffic Branch, Mawlai Traffic Branch, and Laban Traffic Branch. This committee has been tasked with recommending parking and no-parking zones, collaborating with local bodies to get approvals, and marking designated areas accordingly.
The court also acknowledged the administration’s initiative in formulating the Shillong Parking Policy, 2025, which includes plans to acquire and introduce 35 modern, technologically advanced, and comfortable buses to reduce private vehicle usage on city roads. Additionally, under the Shared Mobility Initiative (STEMS) project, efforts have been made to encourage schoolchildren to commute by bus instead of private transport. The Additional Advocate General informed the court that while there was only one bus operating at 10 percent occupancy in April 2023, the number has increased to 29 buses with full occupancy by February 2025.
The court observed that the successful implementation of this policy would significantly reduce traffic congestion during school hours. Another measure under consideration is the introduction of street parking infrastructure. Expressing confidence in the proposed measures, the bench stated that if all these policies and plans are executed effectively, they would contribute significantly to addressing the concerns raised in the PIL.
