New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has begun extensive preparations for the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit later this month, with civic departments directed to ensure large-scale beautification and infrastructure readiness across key locations in Lutyens’ Delhi.Officials said the horticulture department has been tasked with installing unique flower varieties capable of withstanding sultry weather conditions during the summit period. Special focus is being given to beautification around key hotels, important roundabouts, and venues likely to host visiting dignitaries.“This will include floral boards, placement of aesthetic plants, and extensive greenery along key roads. Closer to the event, potted plants will also be placed at strategic locations,” an official said.During a recent review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, departments were also directed to ensure adequate arrangements to prevent waterlogging in case of rainfall.NDMC officials said civic teams have been instructed to identify vulnerable stretches and ensure drains are desilted well in advance to avoid any disruption to movement during the high-profile international event.“Circle officers have been asked to inspect bell mouths, gully traps, footpaths, and roads to identify blockages affecting the free flow of water, as well as any damaged stretches. They have been directed to coordinate with the concerned departments to ensure repairs are carried out on priority,” an official said.The sanitation department will deploy dedicated teams in areas where dignitary movement is expected, with multiple rounds of sweeping and garbage clearance planned.“The idea is to prepare the city on the lines of arrangements made during the G20 Summit,” the official added.Officials said Bharat Mandapam will serve as the main venue for the summit, with connecting stretches in the NDMC area receiving priority attention. Decorative lighting will also be installed at key roundabouts.Following the interdepartmental review meeting on Monday, Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood posted on the social media platform X that preparations were reviewed at the Delhi Secretariat under the leadership of the chief minister, Rekha Gupta for the upcoming fourth India-Africa Forum Summit and the first International Big Cat Alliance Summit, scheduled from May 28 to June 1.He said officials had been directed to ensure arrangements meet the highest standards, with 24×7 control rooms, deployment of nodal officers, and real-time monitoring systems in place.Sood also stressed the need to maintain cleanliness and strengthen public facilities across key markets and tourist destinations in the city, while ensuring seamless coordination among departments for the successful conduct of the international events. In the meeting, officials from Municipal Corporation of Delhi, DDA, NDMC, Delhi govt etc. were present.“The urban development department is the nodal agency, and all works will start with immediate effect. We have asked PWD that from the airport to the event venue and other areas where dignitaries would be staying, roads have to be made pothole-free. Any ongoing construction should be either completed or covered properly as the city will represent the entire country before guests, and we can’t take a chance,” Sood told TOI.
