A Coordinated City-Wide Effort
In preparation for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13, Delhi is witnessing a comprehensive readiness plan. The Lieutenant Governor has emphasized the need for seamless multi-agency coordination and time-bound execution to ensure the capital is fully
prepared to welcome international delegates. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has taken the lead, particularly in the city's core, devising a plan that covers everything from sanitation and infrastructure to aesthetics. The guiding theme for India's BRICS chairmanship, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” is reflected in the push for robust civic upkeep.
The Push for Pristine Cleanliness
A major focus of the readiness plan is a massive cleanliness and sanitation drive. The NDMC has planned round-the-clock sanitation arrangements, deploying additional staff and special night-duty teams in the run-up to the summit. This intensive operation involves a combination of mechanical road sweepers, manual teams, and specialised gobbler machines to ensure streets are spotless. To manage waste effectively, temporary dustbins will be installed, and mobile toilets will be made available. The plan also includes special drives to remove stray animals from key areas and coordination with hotels and market associations to maintain cleanliness standards across the board.
Paving the Way for Delegates
To ensure smooth transit for delegates, significant attention is being given to the city's road network. The NDMC has identified 41 major roads, which have been organized into 14 circles, each with a dedicated nodal officer for daily inspections. Infrastructure maintenance is a top priority, with efforts focused on repairing potholes and footpaths, maintaining railings, and ensuring all road signage is clear and in good condition. Special enforcement drives will target illegal parking, unauthorized hoardings, and encroachments to keep these key routes clear. Furthermore, streetlights and decorative illumination will be kept fully operational, with quick response teams on standby to handle any electrical faults.
Beautifying Delhi’s Public Realm
Beyond just cleaning and repairing, a significant beautification effort aims to enhance the city's visual appeal. The NDMC's horticulture department is focused on landscaping, planting seasonal flowers, and greening brown patches to create lush corridors. Specific sites have been chosen for elaborate displays, with plans for 15 floral boards, nine flower fountains, and special beautification for 17 major roundabouts. This aesthetic upgrade will be complemented by BRICS branding displayed on over 150 digital screens across the NDMC area. Several other events like a BRICS Bazaar and Food Festival are also planned, with dedicated civic support arrangements.
Lasting Change or a Temporary Polish?
Whenever Delhi undergoes such a large-scale beautification drive for an international event, a familiar question arises among its residents: will the changes last? The intense focus on specific VIP routes and areas often raises concerns about whether these improvements represent a sustainable upgrade for the entire city or merely a temporary facelift. While officials stress coordination and robust upkeep, citizens remain watchful, hoping that the repaired footpaths, cleaner public spaces, and greener corridors will be maintained long after the delegates have departed. The summit provides a powerful impetus for civic improvement, but the true test will be the long-term commitment to maintaining these enhanced standards for the benefit of all Delhiites.
