Delhi Gets a Makeover Ahead of BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam
NDMC is beautifying Delhi roads, roundabouts, and hotels ahead of the BRICS Summit on September 12-13.
New Delhi is undergoing a comprehensive civic makeover ahead of the BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12-13 at the Bharat Mandapam in Central Delhi. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is leading the beautification drive, which spans roads, roundabouts, and public spaces across Lutyens' Delhi.
NDMC chairperson Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said preparations have been underway for some time. The plan covers 41 major roads, which have been grouped into 14 circles, each with a dedicated nodal officer. These officers will conduct daily inspections to oversee cleaning, beautification, and other civic arrangements on their assigned stretches.
The project includes landscaping, floral displays, fountains, and murals. Officials have identified 15 locations for floral boards, nine for flower fountains, and 17 roundabouts for special beautification. Parking areas will also be spruced up, and roads will be closely monitored.
Special attention is being given to the ten hotels where BRICS delegates will stay. The India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden and the BRICS Friendship Rose Garden, both established in the mid-2010s, are also part of the beautification focus.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has provided inputs on creative installations, including a more prominent visual treatment for the BRICS logo, additional floral boards, and boards featuring photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The MEA has also requested support for events tied to the summit programme.
Public-facing events are being planned to bring the summit into the city's spaces. The Talkatora Garden amphitheatre will host performances by artists from BRICS member countries, and murals will be painted in the National Museum area. A food festival featuring diverse cuisines is also on the cards.
A 12-member core team, supported by around 200 additional staff, has been formed to maintain venues and assist the MEA during the events. With monsoon rains still a concern, Dwivedi said additional pumps are ready to drain waterlogging quickly, and desilting is ongoing in several drains in the area.