Capital makeover for BRICS Summit: Floral displays, food festivals, performan
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Mishal Mussaddique
New Delhi is undergoing a massive urban facelift and implementing drone-based traffic surveillance ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit. These preparations at Bharat Mandapam aim to enhance city aesthetics and security through extensive infrastructure upgrades.
Delhi's Urban Transformation for the BRICS Summit
New Delhi is currently undergoing a significant urban revitalization effort as it prepares to host the upcoming BRICS Summit on September 12-13. Centered around the Bharat Mandapam in Central Delhi, the city is receiving a comprehensive facelift that echoes the extensive beautification projects seen during the G20 Summit three years prior. This initiative, spearheaded by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), is designed to showcase the capital's infrastructure and aesthetic appeal to international delegates.
Beautification and Civic Upgrades
Under the guidance of NDMC chairperson Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, the city is prioritizing a visual overhaul of Lutyens’ Delhi. The beautification strategy is multifaceted, involving the restoration of road markings, such as the repainting of zebra crossings near India Gate, and the installation of elaborate landscaping features. Residents and visitors can expect to see an influx of floral displays, decorative fountains, and vibrant murals, alongside organized food festivals and cultural performances aimed at enhancing the city's atmosphere.
Technological Integration in Traffic Management
Beyond aesthetics, the administration is integrating high-tech solutions to manage the logistical challenges of hosting a global summit. For the first time, the Delhi Traffic Police is utilizing drones to monitor traffic flow in real-time. This aerial surveillance is specifically intended to identify congestion hotspots and maintain order across arterial roads during the summit. This deployment marks a shift toward a more data-driven, technology-reliant traffic management strategy for the capital.
Broader Strategic Implications
While the immediate impetus for these changes is the BRICS Summit, officials suggest that the drone-based monitoring system is part of a broader, long-term framework. The capability to track movement from the sky will be retained beyond the summit to monitor processions, protests, and general traffic patterns during the busy festive season. This indicates a permanent upgrade in how the city manages its complex urban mobility needs, leveraging innovation to ensure smoother transit for both citizens and high-profile guests.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The scale of these preparations reflects the importance of the BRICS Summit as a major geopolitical event held at the Bharat Mandapam. By combining traditional urban beautification with modern surveillance technology, New Delhi is attempting to set a new standard for host-city readiness. As the city readies itself for the September event, the legacy of these upgrades—ranging from refreshed public spaces to advanced traffic control—is expected to influence future city planning and event management in the capital.