A Greener, More Colourful City
One of the most noticeable changes will be the extensive beautification across the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area. The council's horticulture department is leading a massive greening drive. This includes planting seasonal flowers, installing
decorative planters, and landscaping prominent roundabouts and green corridors. Residents can look forward to seeing 15 locations adorned with floral boards and nine with new flower fountains. Seventeen roundabouts are also receiving special beautification and illumination treatments, aiming to give public spaces a refreshed and aesthetically pleasing appearance for visiting international delegates and locals alike.
Intensive Cleaning and Brighter Streets
A comprehensive cleanliness plan is in full swing. The NDMC has scheduled round-the-clock sanitation arrangements, deploying additional staff, especially for night duties from September 9 to 14. You may see more mechanical road sweepers, scrubbers, and manual cleaning teams on the streets. To support this, temporary dustbins and mobile toilets will be installed in key areas. This effort extends to infrastructure, with facade lighting being improved on key buildings and quick response teams on standby to handle any electrical or illumination issues, ensuring the city remains bright and welcoming.
Road Upgrades and Potential Traffic Diversions
Infrastructure maintenance is a major priority. Teams are actively repairing potholes and footpaths, maintaining railings, and ensuring road signs are clear. The NDMC has identified 41 major roads for focused attention, dividing them into 14 circles, each with a dedicated nodal officer to ensure work is completed efficiently. While this will result in smoother drives in the long run, residents should anticipate temporary disruptions. The Delhi Lieutenant Governor has directed agencies to ensure smooth traffic management, but preparations and VIP movements during the summit will likely necessitate diversions and increased security checks. Special enforcement drives will also target illegally parked vehicles, particularly along key routes.
Heightened Security and Public Space Management
With a major international event comes a natural increase in security. Residents in and around the NDMC area, especially near key venues and delegate movement corridors, should expect a more visible police presence. Enforcement teams will be active in removing unauthorised hoardings and regulating street vending to ensure public spaces are orderly. The NDMC is also coordinating closely with the Delhi Police for security arrangements and the effective management of public spaces. Furthermore, a 24x7 command and control centre will monitor civic services in real-time using CCTV surveillance and field reports to quickly resolve any issues that arise.
City-Wide Events and Branding
The preparations go beyond infrastructure. The NDMC is planning several events to engage the public and delegates, including a Brics Bazaar, a Brics Run & Ride, and a Brics Food Festival. To create wider awareness, BRICS branding will be displayed prominently across the city on 154 digital screens and at approximately 83 public toilet facilities. The council is also appealing to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and market traders' associations to participate in the cleanliness efforts, aiming for a coordinated approach to showcasing the best of New Delhi.
