MCD plans Delhi’s facelift ahead of G20 Summit

In the run-up for G20 Summit to be held in September, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has planned to lift up the face of national capital with thematic parks and other attractions.

Around 200 meeting were scheduled under different tracks after India assumed G20 Presidency in December last year.

“We have planned a number of things to spruce up the city and improve civic amenities ahead of the Summit,” a top official in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said.

The official added that they are planning to place more than one lakh flower pots at various prominent locations. In addition to this, extra dustbins will be kept in streets to control littering at key location and markets.

‘G20 park’ will also be developed in existing parks to commemorate the G20 Presidency of India, the official said. The G20-theme park will be developed in the premises of a park in M-Block of Greater Kailash-2.

“This thematic park will have the logo of the G20 made in an artistic style, besides other artworks,” the official said.

The renovated “Shaheedi Park,” which features sculptures of Indian heroes and freedom fighters, was inaugurated on August 8 and made accessible to the public the next day. The park is located near ITO metro station.

The redevelopment of “Shaheedi Park” was included in the municipal initiatives undertaken in advance of the G20 meeting. The park houses a state-of-the-art convention complex, which will be the venue of the G20 Summit.

The culmination of all G20 processes and talks among ministers, senior officials, and civil society will take place during the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in Delhi.

“A G20 Leaders’ Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the New Delhi Summit, stating leaders’ commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings,” according to the G20 website.

India has planned to host the G20 meetings at approximately 55 venues across the country during its year-long presidency, from large metropolises to smaller towns, including those rich in history and natural beauty like Hampi and Khajuraho.

Other civic projects in Delhi that have been completed include development work at a market next to the PVR Anupam movie theatre and beautifying work at the Mahipalpur roundabout, which is close to the airport. To enhance the appearance and feel of the city, signage and notice boards will be erected.

Numerous spots throughout the city have G20-themed wall paintings, however the official stated that none are currently scheduled due to rain.

Sites or roads affected due to recent flooding in parts of the city are being cleaned by the MCD. Restoration work, of any required of such sites, is to be done by public works department or the Delhi Development Authority, he added.

According to the official, roads leading to and from prominent venues will be cleaned regularly with the help of 52 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), jetting and sprinkler machines.

(With inputs from PTI)