The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has rolled out a sweeping civic preparedness plan ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled in New Delhi next month, covering sanitation, horticulture, infrastructure, electricity, and public health across its jurisdiction. NDMC Chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi announced the measures on 24 August after chairing a review meeting on the Council's Summit preparations.

Road Network Divided for Targeted Management

At the core of the plan, the NDMC has identified 41 major roads and reorganised them into 14 circles, with a dedicated Nodal Officer assigned to each. These officers, along with their field teams, will conduct daily inspections to ensure strict adherence to prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs). The circle-based structure is designed to eliminate gaps in accountability and enable faster resolution of civic deficiencies.

Beautification and Horticulture Drive

To present an internationally competitive face to visiting delegates, the NDMC has earmarked 15 locations for floral boards, 9 locations for floral fountains, and 17 roundabouts for special beautification, landscaping, and electric illumination. Several other prominent sites have been identified for focused upkeep, though their specific locations have not been disclosed for security reasons. The horticulture plan also includes plantation of seasonal flowers, greening of brown patches, maintenance of green corridors, and installation of decorative planters.

Sanitation, Infrastructure and Health Measures

Round-the-clock sanitation arrangements will be in place from September 9 to 14, with additional sanitation workers and special night-duty teams deployed. Mechanical road sweepers, gobblers, ride-on sweepers, and ride-on scrubbers will be pressed into service. Temporary dustbins and mobile toilets will be installed at required locations, and stray animal removal will form part of the sanitation plan.

Infrastructure maintenance will cover pothole and footpath repair, upkeep of railings, road signage, and street furniture, along with debris removal and stormwater drainage. All public toilets in identified areas will be inspected for functionality and cleanliness. On the electricity front, Quick Response Teams will be deployed to address any streetlight or illumination failures, with adequate backup power maintained throughout.

Medical preparedness includes deployment of ambulances and medical teams at key locations, inspection of food establishments, and intensified mosquito-control measures — particularly relevant given the active monsoon season.

Public Awareness and Enforcement

BRICS branding will be displayed across 154 digital screens and around 83 public toilet utilities (PTUs) and common toilet utilities (CTUs). Publicity materials will be placed at prominent roundabouts and civic utilities, and regular updates will be disseminated through NDMC's official social media platforms.

Special enforcement drives will target encroachments, unauthorised hoardings, unregulated street vending, and construction activity along VIP movement routes. Designated parking arrangements will be ensured, and the NDMC will coordinate with Delhi Police for smooth traffic movement and security management.

Event-Specific Support and Command Centre

Nodal Officers have been appointed for BRICS-linked events including the BRICS Bazaar, BRICS Run and Ride, BRICS Murals and Painting, and the BRICS Food Festival. A 24x7 Command and Control Centre will monitor civic services through CCTV surveillance, field reports, and senior officer inspections, supported by a dedicated round-the-clock control room for real-time response.

The NDMC will coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, district authorities, the Delhi government, and Central government agencies. Dwivedi also appealed to Market Traders Associations (MTAs), Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and other entities in the NDMC area to actively participate in cleanliness drives ahead of the international event.