New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has put in place a comprehensive and coordinated civic preparedness plan to ensure seamless urban services, world-class cleanliness, enhanced aesthetics and efficient civic management across the jurisdiction ahead of the forthcoming BRICS Summit here next month.
NDMC Chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi announced the measures after chairing a review meeting on the Council’s preparations for the international event. He said the plan focuses on efficient planning, coordinated execution, uninterrupted civic services, and international standards of urban management throughout the Summit period.
“All departments concerned have been directed to work in close coordination to ensure that New Delhi presents a clean, green, well-maintained and aesthetically enhanced face to international delegates and visitors,” he said.
As part of an extensive beautification drive, the NDMC has identified 41 major roads and divided them into 14 circles. A dedicated Nodal Officer has been assigned to each circle, and the officers, along with their respective field teams, will conduct daily field visits and inspections to ensure strict compliance with prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs).
To enhance the visual appeal of the city, 15 locations have been identified for floral boards, nine locations for floral fountains, and 17 roundabouts for special beautification, landscaping and electric illumination. Several other prominent sites and their surrounding areas have also been identified for focused civic upkeep, cleanliness and beautification. However, the specific locations have not been disclosed due to security considerations.
Dwivedi said the NDMC would ensure round-the-clock sanitation arrangements, including the deployment of additional sanitation workers and special night-duty teams from September 9 to 14. Intensive cleaning operations will involve the use of mechanical road sweepers, gobblers, push-back manual sweepers, ride-on sweepers, and ride-on scrubbers.
Temporary dustbins and mobile toilets will also be installed at required locations, while the removal of stray animals will form an integral part of the sanitation plan.
The Council will coordinate closely with hotels, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), and other stakeholders to promote cleanliness and civic discipline in identified areas.
The horticulture plan includes landscaping, plantation of seasonal flowers, greening of brown patches, maintenance of green corridors, pruning of shrubs and the installation of floral boards and decorative planters. Special attention will be paid to maintaining a fresh, vibrant and well-manicured appearance along prominent roads, public spaces and important movement corridors.
NDMC has also prioritised infrastructure maintenance, including the repair of potholes and footpaths, upkeep of railings, road signage and street furniture, removal of debris and ensuring proper stormwater drainage.
All public toilets in identified areas will be inspected to ensure that they remain functional, clean and adequately maintained throughout the Summit period.
On the electricity front, the Council will ensure the proper functioning of streetlights and decorative illumination at identified locations. Adequate backup power arrangements will be maintained, while Quick Response Teams will be deployed to promptly address any electrical or illumination-related issues.
As part of the Summit preparations, the NDMC will also undertake an extensive publicity and communication campaign to keep citizens, stakeholders and visitors informed about its civic initiatives. Regular updates will be disseminated through NDMC’s official social media platforms and press releases.
Publicity and awareness materials will be strategically placed at prominent roundabouts, public toilet utilities (PTUs), and common toilet utilities (CTUs) across the NDMC area. BRICS branding will be displayed on 154 digital screens and around 83 PTUs and CTUs to create greater public awareness. The NDMC has already begun posting Summit-related updates on its social media platforms.
Special enforcement measures will also be undertaken to maintain the appearance and orderly functioning of public spaces.
These will include the removal of encroachments and unauthorised hoardings, regulation of street vending and close monitoring of construction activities, particularly along important and VIP movement routes.
Medical and preventive health preparedness will include the deployment of ambulances and medical teams at identified locations. The NDMC will also inspect food establishments and intensify mosquito-control measures and other preventive public-health initiatives.
Keeping the possibility of monsoon rainfall in view, the Council will take preventive measures to minimise waterlogging, ensure effective drainage and facilitate the timely removal of accumulated dry leaves and other waste from roads and public spaces.
Special drives will also be conducted to remove illegally parked vehicles, while designated parking arrangements will be ensured wherever required. The NDMC will coordinate closely with the Delhi Police and other concerned agencies to facilitate smooth traffic movement, security arrangements and effective management of public spaces.
Dedicated civic support arrangements have also been made for major events being organised as part of the BRICS Summit programme. Nodal Officers have been appointed for events such as the BRICS Bazaar, BRICS Run & Ride, BRICS Murals & Painting, and the BRICS Food Festival.
These officers will coordinate with concerned departments and stakeholders to ensure proper sanitation, cleanliness, horticulture, infrastructure, electricity and other civic arrangements at the respective venues.
A dedicated control room will function round the clock to facilitate real-time monitoring and rapid response. NDMC will also operate a 24×7 Command and Control Centre to monitor various civic services through CCTV surveillance, field reports and regular inspections by senior officers.
Dwivedi said departmental Nodal Officers had been designated for coordinated implementation, monitoring and the immediate resolution of issues. The 14 Circle Nodal Officers will conduct daily inspections with their respective teams and ensure that all identified deficiencies are addressed promptly.
The NDMC will work closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, district authorities, the Delhi government and Central government agencies to ensure the best possible arrangements for the BRICS Summit.
The NDMC Chairman also appealed to MTAs, RWAs and all other entities in the NDMC area to contribute to cleanliness drives and ensure effective management of their respective areas to present the best face of the city during the international event.
–IANS
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