The Delhi Police on Thursday denied any rumours of the national capital being placed under lockdown in view of the upcoming G20 summit. A “controlled zone” has been made in the New Delhi district and all commercial establishments have been closed in the area for three days from September 8 to 10, said Delhi Police Public Relations Officer Suman Nalwa. Bonafide residents in the restricted zone will be allowed to move by showing their identity card and there will be no restriction on the movement of essential commodities through Delhi borders, she added.
“Regarding the G20 summit, rumours are spreading that Delhi will be under lockdown at that time. It is factually not correct,” Nalwa told the news agency.
“As a number of heads of States are coming and international organisations are joining, that's why we have made a 'Controlled zone' in the New Delhi district. All the commercial establishments have been closed in this area for three days (8-10 Sept). We have been advising people to travel by Delhi Metro,” she said.
“Bonafide residents of the restricted zone will be allowed to move by displaying a valid ID. No restriction on the movement of essential commodities coming through Delhi borders,” she added.
Preparations are in full swing ahead of the Group of 20 Summit which includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States.
Planning at all fronts from security to health and beautification of the national capital is being implemented to ensure that the summit takes place smoothly on September 9 and 10. On Tuesday, the Delhi Police banned the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms upto September 12. Ram Manohar Lohia hospital also said that it is ready to tackle medical emergencies during the summit.
On Tuesday, Delhi minister Atishi inspected Lodhi Road and Pragati Maidan stretch to check the arrangements ahead of the G20 summit.