New Delhi (Agency): TDelhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has called upon the Delhi Police to safeguard assets created and enhanced for the upcoming G20 Summit. In an interview, the senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stressed the need to prevent theft or damage to these assets following the key international meeting.
Bharadwaj underscored the importance of thorough planning for such events to minimize inconvenience to the public. He acknowledged the traffic jams in the city over the past ten days and emphasized the need for proper planning by Delhi Police and its traffic unit.
While discussing asset protection, Bharadwaj called for strict action against anyone attempting to steal or tamper with the assets created in Delhi for the G20 Summit.
The run-up to the summit has seen controversy over the allocation of funds for Delhi’s beautification. Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi claimed that the AAP government had not contributed to Delhi’s development in its nine-year rule and that the Centre bore most of the expenses for G20 Summit preparations.
In response, Bharadwaj countered the allegations, stating that the Centre had not provided any funds. He cited a file in which the chief secretary reportedly mentioned that all departments had to use their own funds. He also claimed that former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting funds for the summit, but there was no response from the Centre.
Bharadwaj accused the Centre of “step-motherly” treatment and highlighted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s commitment to ensuring that the work continued.
Regarding preparations for heavy rains during the summit, Bharadwaj, who also holds the flood and irrigation portfolio, expressed confidence that there would be no flooding even if it rained for three days in Delhi. This statement comes in light of flooding in various parts of the city during this year’s monsoon season.
Bharadwaj, who also oversees the health portfolio, assured that they are fully prepared for any medical emergencies during the G20 Summit. He mentioned the deployment of doctors at hotels, advanced life support ambulances accompanying caravans, and the presence of ambulances at strategic locations.
The G20 Summit is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 10 at the newly constructed international convention and exhibition center, Bharat Mandapam, in Pragati Maidan. It will be attended by world leaders such as US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, among others.