NDMC Sets Up 75 Pumps, CCTV for World Heritage Committee Meeting

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has taken significant measures to address potential waterlogging during the World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting. CCTV cameras have been installed at 20 new locations, and 75 portable pumps have been procured to manage excess water, according to a civic body member on Friday.

Satish Upadhyay, NDMC Vice Chairman, stated that the WHC meeting will take place in the national capital from July 21 to 31. He mentioned that six control rooms will monitor the situation, with 175 personnel on the ground. Additionally, a central Command and Control Room will oversee the overall scenario.

Water Management and Monitoring

Upadhyay highlighted that there are 120 fixed pumps and 75 portable pumps ready to handle water accumulation. Furthermore, 48 temporary staff operators are on standby for any emergent waterlogging situations. On June 28, Delhi experienced a record rainfall of 228 mm, causing waterlogging in several upscale areas like Bharti Nagar, Golf Links, and Satya Marg.

CCTV cameras have been strategically placed at locations such as Satya Sadan, Lodhi Estate, Africa Avenue underpass, Panchkuian Road, Raisina Road, Nyay Marg, Bharti Nagar, and Zakir Hussain Marg. These installations aim to provide real-time monitoring and quick response to any waterlogging incidents.

Beautification Efforts

The NDMC has also focused on beautifying the city for the WHC delegates. A special beautification drive has been conducted at Khan Market, Connaught Place, and Janpath. Sardar Patel Marg has been adorned with potted plants and floral decorations. The Horticulture Department has supplied around 50,000 ornamental plants and flowers for this purpose.

Eight floral boards featuring the World Heritage Committee logo will be displayed along key routes. Special preparations from Sardar Patel Marg to Bharat Mandapam include potted plants, flags, and lights. The Horticulture Department has replaced plants damaged by heat or waterlogging.

Enhanced Lighting and Displays

All roads in the NDMC area have been repaired and cleared of disruptions caused by heavy rain. Connaught Place will be illuminated with special lights, while trees along Sardar Patel Marg will feature up-lights and hanging lights. Colourful flags will also be displayed along this route.

Eleven digital boards in Connaught Place will showcase rare and historic photographs of the area in collaboration with the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA). This initiative aims to highlight the rich history of Connaught Place for both residents and visitors.

Cultural Collaborations

The NDMC is working with the Ministry of Culture to install wall art and sculptures as part of the city's beautification efforts. These installations are intended to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city during the WHC session.

The WHC session will be held at Bharat Mandapam, which was also the venue for the G20 Summit. The civic body will host a special dinner for delegates on July 25 at the Qutub Institutional area.

In preparation for the event, all 52 roundabouts in the NDMC area have been beautified. This includes repairing roads and clearing any disruptions caused by heavy rain. The NDMC's efforts aim to ensure a smooth and visually appealing experience for WHC delegates.

Upadhyay noted that Connaught Place would be illuminated with special lights. Trees along Sardar Patel Marg will feature up-lights and hanging lights. Colourful flags will also be displayed along this route to enhance its visual appeal.

The NDMC's comprehensive preparations reflect their commitment to hosting a successful WHC meeting while ensuring minimal disruption due to weather conditions.