A glimpse of G20 colours and mood in Delhi

Preparations are in full swing to welcome global leaders and foreign dignitaries in New Delhi for the upcoming G20 summit next week. In anticipation of this significant event, civic agencies are diligently enhancing 66 key roads and stretches across the city.

This elaborate beautification drive encompasses a range of enhancements, from the installation of artistic fountains and sculptures to the strategic placement of vibrant flower pots along these roads.

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The urban facelift goes beyond aesthetics, with the refurbishment of footpaths and the revitalisation of walls through fresh coats of paint.

As the calendar inches closer to the G20 Leaders’ Summit on September 9 and 10, Delhi is leaving no stone unturned. Their mission: to accelerate the progress of road development projects, ensuring the city is primed to host the G20 Summit with utmost finesse.

“At least 20 fountains and several statues have been installed across Delhi as part of the beautification drive ahead of G20,” Said Satish Upadhyay, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Council. Most of the work under the drive has been done with the efforts of around 3000 workers from various departments like horticulture, electricity department, MCD, etc.

“We have completed a majority of work including painting of buildings’ façade at Connaught Place, installation of sculptures and art pieces, and fountains at around 20 locations,” he said.

Around 80,000 potted plants have been procured for display on 32 major roads and repair and restoration of 41 roads have been done.

Additionally, over 20 fountains have been installed at locations such as Sher Shah Road, Zakir Hussain Marg, Pandara Road, Akbar Road, Connaught Place, KG.Marg, Janpath, Sansad Marg, Teen Murti Marg, Rajaji Marg, Copernicus Marg, Purana Qila Road, among others.

“This work is being done keeping G20 in mind. But it is not just limited to G20. We have just used the opportunity for the overall beautification of Delhi, just like during the Commonwealth Games of 2010. The entire drive cost around rupees 60 crore,” Upadhyay said.

Amid all the preparations, even Delhiites are having a good time. Many people are visiting the central Delhi region to witness the installation of new fountains, sculptures or spending an evening in the small yet beautiful gardens at the different roundabouts near Akbar Road, Safdarjung Marg and Lok Kalyan Marg.

The beautiful spots have also become popular selfie spots with many visiting the area to capture the renovated Delhi in their mobile camera.