With eight days left for the G20 Summit, Delhi is being decked up for the global event, which will see many delegates and heads of countries converge in the national capital.
While the Parade Road and Khyber Lines have been spruced up with G20 banners and logos, the iconic Pragati Maidan has been adorned with lights and fountains. Sculptures, artefacts, and plants line the streets. While about 2.5 lakh potted plants will be placed ahead of the summit, over 100 sculptures, including that of Konark Wheel, a tortoise, chhatris, horse family, yakshinis, Ganpati, elephants, lions, the Buddha, Surya and Nandi, have been installed.
Important locations, including Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Dhaula Kuan-IGI Airport Road, Palam Technical Area, India Gate C-Hexagon, Mandi House, Akbar Road roundabout, Delhi Gate, Rajghat and the ITPO, have been adorned with lush greenery. Nearly 6.75 lakh flowering plants and foliage have been used.
One of the major spots that will see the arrival of delegates is the Rajghat, which has witnessed unique landscaping. Besides, a 115-ft Indian flag has been installed at the site. "Preparations for the G20 summit are in full swing across Delhi, with beautification efforts also well underway. Today, I visited Rajghat, a location that many delegates and heads of countries will visit during the summit," Delhi PWD Minister Atishi told PTI.
"Over the past year, the stretch from Rajghat to Red Fort has undergone a stunning transformation led by the PWD. This area has been enhanced with features such as fountains, contemporary street art, open seating spaces, lighting and much more," she added.
Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, is always a priority for any esteemed foreign delegation visiting India, she said.
"As such, the memorial has undergone unique landscaping. It has been adorned with greenery all around, a 115-ft Indian flag, lighting installations, and much more, the minister said.
The Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi government on Wednesday directed officials to ensure that work on all important roads is completed before the deadline of August 31 ahead of the G20 Summit. The government has also deployed a huge number of sanitation staff and mechanised sweeping machines across Delhi to maintain cleanliness.
Hospitals
Besides, five government hospitals and three private medical facilities have been put on "high alert" in view of the summit.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that the health department formed 80 teams of doctors and nursing staff, who will serve guests staying at hotels. Out of these teams, 75 teams will work in shifts, officials said on Wednesday.
"In light of the G20 Summit, the Delhi government has placed five major government hospitals and three private hospitals on high alert to ensure the healthcare arrangements are in place. These include primarily Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital, GTB Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, and Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital, along with private facilities Primus Hospital Chanakyapuri, Max Hospital Saket, and Manipal Hospital Dwarka," he said.
Lok Nayak Hospital has reserved 20 rooms, GB Pant Hospital 10 rooms, GTB Hospital 20 beds, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital 65 beds, and Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital has reserved 40 beds for addressing any situation that may arise during the G20 Summit, Bharadwaj was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the health department.