Clearing overgrowth, laying decorative rocks, and setting up a selfie point - a portion of the Bhairon Marg drain in the capital has undergone a transformation ahead of the G20 Summit. According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, work on the ambitious project involved sprucing up a 240-metre section of the drain, which had overflowed during the floods last month, to give it a ‘canal-like’ appearance. “Desilting work has been underway for the past four days. Vegetation around the drain has also been removed. As part of the facelift, the drain was shaped into a trapeze and the sides have been adorned with decorative rocks. A selfie point is being created in front of the ‘canal’,” said employees of the civic body on the ground. The Indian Express also visited locations surrounding the G20 venue, notably roads near the Pragati Maidan complex, to check out the extensive renovations. Rolling out the red carpet for dignitaries on September 9 and 10, the road adjacent to the Bharat Mandapam Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre is dotted with flowering plants and fountains, while the roadways have been cleaned and kerb stones repaired and painted. The Pragati Maidan stretch leading to the Convention Centre has special ‘G20 lighting’ - the lights feature the letter ‘G’ and numeral ‘2’ in orange and green, while the numeral ‘0’ is represented with a globe in blue-and-white shade lights. The globe is placed on a lotus which is also shaded in orange and green lights. Other roads leading to the convention centre have also been decked up with various kinds of lighting. Bhairon Marg in front of the Zoo and National Craft Museum, which was formerly regarded as a dark spot, has been illuminated. According to workers on the ground, over 500 streetlights have been installed on the stretch so far, which include Tiranga strip lights, over 100 fancy column lights, and 6 high-mast lights for a more vibrant appearance. Meanwhile, street art is coming up at the Supreme Court Metro station which includes a doodle of the India Gate, lotuses, and horses. On the stretch, there are also large “welcome” emblems with G20 branding. Both the MCD and the Public Works Department have placed large and tiny plants to beautify the area’s roadsides and roundabouts. Several fountains have also been constructed on Bhairon Marg using black tiles, for which borewell work is currently being completed. Security forces have been stationed in the area, and German hangar tents have been set up to offer shade for the troops. To ensure help in emergency situations, the MCD has also deployed ambulances while extra pumps are set up to drain out the water in case it rains, according to officials.
