G20 Summit: PM’s Principal Secretary reviews preparations

The PMO in a statement after the meeting said a mobile app – G20 India – has been launched for G20 for the first time and is now available for download both on Android and iOS.

“It was noted in the meeting that work progress on the ground and on-site at the Bharat Mandapam, which will host some key G20 meetings, was satisfactory. For a uniquely Indian experience, exhibitions on culture and ‘Mother of Democracy’ are being set up in the Bharat Mandapam,” it said.

Mishra also reviewed the progress in installation of the Nataraj statue at the venue and curated programmes for the spouses of visiting leaders. “Noting that restrictions are being placed due to security and protocol reasons, Mishra said efforts should be made to ensure minimum inconvenience is caused to the public… that essential services in the city should not be affected. Further, communications regarding traffic restrictions be made more user-friendly,” the PMO said.

Media arrangements for the Summit were also reviewed, it said. “So far, more than 3,600 requests have been received, including from foreign media, and accreditation letters are being issued,” the statement said, adding that the media centre at Bharat Mandapam will be fully ready by the end of this week.

On the logistics side, it was noted in the meeting that drills are being held and dress rehearsals have been planned for the coming days. Mishra was also briefed on security aspects, it said.

For smooth coordination between various agencies, it was decided that a multi-agency control room will be set up at the Bharat Mandapam. Mishra will undertake field and site visits over next few days to check the state of readiness on the ground, it added.

The meeting was attended by senior officers from G20 Secretariat and Ministries of External Affairs, Home, Culture, Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Telecom.