New Delhi, Dec 28 (PTI): A food festival, flower show, fun runs and live music — the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is going all out in its arrangements for the general public and foreign dignitaries in the build-up to next year’s G20 Summit.
The NDMC has assigned around Rs 60 to 100 crore for preparations in the city ahead of the G20 meetings that began in March. The money will be used for the improvement of road infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, horticulture and to hold events.
Presenting the NDMC Budget for Financial Year 2023-2024, the civic body chairman Amit Yadav highlighted various initiatives taken by the council to make the city ready for the G20 meetings.
“The FY 2023-24 is going to be special with the presidency of G20 coming to India under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. The NDMC is quickly taking up a comprehensive beautification of flyovers, roundabouts with sculptures by eminent artists, reflecting our art consciousness,” Yadav said.
“We have assigned Rs 60 to 100 crore of the NDMC budget for G20. The city will also host a food festival with flavours from all G20 countries. A park dedicated as the G20 park will display national animals of the Group of 20 (G20) countries on a Waste-to-Wonder theme,” he added.
This budget, Yadav noted, will reflect the NDMC’s resolve to ensure ease of living for citizens, adopt Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), ensure the cleanliness of the city and enhance citizens’ participation. “The G20 Summit preparedness will reflect in most of our areas of action”.
“We will focus on improvement of road infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, horticulture and events. We will organise a food festival, a flower show. The roundabouts will be decked with flowers. A 15-day tulip festival and programmes such as music in the park and run for fun will be organised,” Yadav informed.
India holds the presidency of the influential group from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023 during which it is expected to organise more than 200 G20 meetings across the country, including in Delhi. The Summit will take place in Delhi in September.
The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union.