SHILLONG, JUL 1: Vendors of the Khasi market at Motphran have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking immediate upgradation of the market into a “safe, healthy, environmentally sustainable, and model public marketplace” with enhanced emergency access and modern ventilation facilities.
The memorandum was submitted by the Synjuk ki Nongdie Jain Khasi Market, an association representing about ninety indigenous Khasi vendors from different localities, villages and constituencies of the state. It was signed by President Shebarnarlene Nongbet and Secretary Larisuk Ranee, among others.
“With the highest respect and profound humility, we submit this memorandum for your kind and sympathetic consideration regarding several urgent infrastructural deficiencies that require immediate intervention in the larger interest of public safety, public health, environmental well-being, and the welfare of the local vendors and consumers,” the vendors said.
Describing the market as more than a commercial space, the vendors said, “The Khasi Market is not only merely a commercial establishment, it is also a symbol of the socio-economic identity, cultural heritage, and traditional livelihood of the indigenous Khasi community, where mostly elderly hard-working mothers were earning to enlighten our families.”
According to the memorandum, the vendors had long operated from the Motphran Bridge area before being temporarily shifted to the Pahsyntiew Ri-Bhoi Parking Lot, where they continue to run their businesses “inconveniently.”
The association flagged serious safety and health concerns at the current market hall. “The present condition of the market hall creates danger zone for earthquake, emergency evacuation, big ventilation, and the health of congestion, restricts the free circulation of air, and exposes occupants to unnecessary risks during emergencies,” the memorandum said.
“The absence of adequate entrances, emergency exits, and proper ventilation is a matter of serious public concern. In the unfortunate event of any natural disaster or fire emergency, the existing infrastructure may not provide sufficient means for the safe evacuation of hundreds or thousands of occupants,” it added.
The vendors have sought the construction of two large main entrances and exits, dedicated emergency exit gates inside the market hall, and installation of large ventilation systems with high-capacity ventilators to ensure circulation of fresh air. They also requested infrastructure to maintain a naturally cool and hygienic indoor environment.
“A marketplace should never merely be a centre of commerce, it must also be a place that protects human life, promotes public health, preserves human dignity, and provides a safe and welcoming environment for every citizen,” the memorandum said.
Calling for the market to be developed as a “model, eco-friendly, disaster-resilient, and people-centred” space, the vendors urged the government to include proper sanitation, waste management, energy-efficient lighting, fire safety installations, universal accessibility, and beautification.
“We respectfully believe that under your visionary leadership, the Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, public welfare, and the upliftment of indigenous communities will inspire favourable consideration of this genuine appeal,” the vendors said. They added that hundreds of local indigenous families depend entirely on the market for their livelihood.
“By addressing these urgent concerns, under your leadership, the government will not only improve public safety and environmental health but will also leave a lasting legacy of responsible governance, compassion, and sustainable development for generations to come,” the memorandum said.
