In the wake of upcoming G20 Summit and with the goal of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of New Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been tirelessly working day and night. The Vice Chairman of NDMC, Satish Upadhyay, provided an update on the ongoing initiatives and projects that have been undertaken to welcome G20 delegates and to contribute to the success of India’s G-20 presidency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Upadhyay appreciated the Members of the Council, the Chairman of NDMC – Amit Yadav, the Secretary of NDMC – Dr. Ankita Chakraborty, and the entire NDMC team for their hard work, and Horticulture, Civil Engineering, Electric Engineering, Water Supply, Health Department for their dedication in successfully completing G20-related projects. This acknowledgment signifies the importance of their contributions and the successful accomplishment of tasks associated with the G20 initiative. He stated that during India’s presidency of the G20, the country will have the opportunity to shape the global agenda and promote its priorities.
Upadhyay told Nursery Today that to elevate the visual charm of the city, NDMC has thoughtfully placed various sculptures including Marble Lions, Polo Horses, Horse Families, and Buddha statues at prominent locations throughout its area, encompassing Panchsheel Marg, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Kautilya Marg, Rajaji Marg, Teen Murti Marg, Vinay Marg, and more.
He further said that focusing on the water features, fountains have been installed at key locations, and the installation process at the remaining sites is well underway. By the first week of August, this endeavor is expected to be completed, with fountains already gracing places like Sher Shah Road, Zakir Hussain Marg, Pandara Road, Akbar Road, Connaught Place, K.G. Marg, Janpath, Sansad Marg, Teen Murti Marg, Rajaji Marg, Hyderabad House, Copernicus Marg, and Purana Qila Road. In this endeavor, a variety of tree species, such as Champa, Tamarind, Ashoka, Alstonia, and Neem, have been planted. An impressive goal of 2 thousand trees and 43 lakh saplings has been set, of which 3 thousand trees and 28 lakh saplings have already been planted. This reaffirms NDMC’s commitment to a greener and healthier environment, he informed. He said that the Civil Engineering Department of NDMC has diligently worked towards revamping the appearance of Connaught Place. As of now, 85% of the façade painting of the outer and inner circles of Connaught Place has been accomplished, and the remaining work is progressing steadily and is set to be completed soon.
Upadhyay said that infrastructure upgradation on 41 roads, including footpath repair, restoration, installation of solar raised pavement markers, and thermoplastic paint application, is nearly 90% complete. The installation of multi-colored LED lights, flood lights, underground power cables, and national flagpoles along Ranjeet Singh and Safdarjung flyovers has been successfully accomplished.
Responding to the challenges posed by heavy rainfall in the month of June 2023, NDMC has swiftly taken action to address vulnerable areas. More than 100 Portable Pumps have been strategically placed in various locations including Lodhi Estate, Bharti Nagar, Golf Link, and Dayal Singh College areas. Control rooms and operational teams have been established to ensure the seamless functioning of these pumps, and desilting work has been carried out in drains throughout the NDMC area, he said.
He said that India’s G20 Presidency is guiding the work of the G20 with the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth. One Family. One Future,” inspired by the Sanskrit phrase from the Maha Upanishad, which emphasizes the idea that “The World Is One Family.” To promote awareness about G20 and its significance under India’s Presidency, NDMC already organized various G20-related activities in its schools to educate the students about it. These included Poster Making, Painting & Drawing Competitions, Speech Competitions, the first round of Quizzes, Essay Competitions, Debates etc.
To sensitize Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), and citizens within its jurisdiction, NDMC organized cultural programs in its major parks in collaboration with SPIC Macay. These events aimed to engage the local community and promote the G20 theme. Upadhyay highlighted that NDMC actively organized events, programs, flower shows, seminars, and meetings aligned with the G20 theme. Upadhyay sent appeal letters to MTAs, RWAs, schools, colleges, NGOs, private offices, and other entities in Delhi, urging them to actively participate in G20-related events and activities by organizing events in market areas, public spaces, and display of G20 logo, he said.
He said NDMC also initiated mechanical sweeping at various locations, including Hanuman Mandir Vatika, Talkatora Indoor Stadium, Chest & Poly Clinic, SBS Marg, Palika Health Complex, Dharam Marg, CPH, Moti Bagh, Palika Maternity Hospital, Lodhi Road etc.
NDMC on a roll…
Horticulture Department of NDMC has dedicated its efforts to creating lush green strips alongside 32 major roads. Over 80,000 potted plants have been curated for display, accompanied by G20-themed flower boards adorning various locations. The horticultural enhancements are almost concluded and are being meticulously maintained under constant supervision. NDMC’s commitment to environmental sustainability is highlighted by its extensive tree plantation initiative. Notable areas including Netaji Nagar, Akbar Road, Ashok Road, BKS Marg, Jor Bagh, and many more have been graced with new trees. Moreover, the horticulture department is also planting saplings within educational institutions, exemplified by Navyug School Laxmi Bai Nagar, N.P. School Havelock Square, Atal Adarsh Girls School Tilak Marg, and others.
