G20 Assets Targeted With Theft. Damage To Flower Pots, Lights, Wires After Summit Conclusion — Details

Several complaints about missing flower pots, rubber nozzles, wires, and broken lights have been confirmed by police, with a notable concentration of incidents occurring in the New Delhi districts.

Bharat Mandapam illuminated with colorful lights after the completion of G20 Summit. (Representational Image)

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In the aftermath of the G20 Summit held in the national capital, Delhi, incidents of theft and damage have been reported, affecting items installed across various parts of the city for beautification during the two-day event. Police authorities have confirmed several complaints related to missing flower pots, rubber nozzles, wires, and broken lights, with a notable concentration of incidents occurring in the New Delhi district.

As part of the beautification efforts encompassing Bharat Mandapam and Lutyens' Delhi, the Public Works Department (PWD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) installed statues, fountains, lights, and other valuable equipment.

According to a report by Indian Express, sources revealed that decorative pots, previously positioned at ITO and Rajghat, have been either stolen or damaged following the G20 Summit. They noted, "While a few pots were stolen, others were damaged or found lying flat with flowers and mud on the road."

NDMC Sets Up Panel To Protect Assets: 

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Monday (September 25) took proactive measures to protect the assets created during the G20 Summit, establishing a dedicated committee to prevent theft and vandalism. According to NDMC's vice-chairman, Satish Upadhyay, this committee oversees the vigilant care of 70 fountains, with two executive engineers assigned to manage 35 fountains each.

"These engineers have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the proper maintenance and functionality of these iconic fountains. NDMC has also renewed the annual maintenance contract for these fountains within its jurisdiction," Upadhyay was quoted as saying by PTI. 

The NDMC has further fortified its security measures by installing a total of 441 CCTV cameras throughout its jurisdiction, all integrated through a Command and Control Centre. These CCTV cameras play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning of NDMC services.

To effectively oversee and manage all G20-related projects and initiatives, NDMC has established a high-level committee tasked with the responsibility of maintaining and administering the works undertaken during the G20 Summit, as reported by PTI.

While acknowledging minor cases of theft of electrical devices at certain locations, Public Works Department (PWD) officials indicated that these incidents did not warrant filing formal complaints. Upadhyay elaborated, "There has been theft of a nozzle from a fountain installed near Nigambodh Ghat. There have been instances of lights being stolen at some locations. We cannot comment on pots, as numerous pots were placed. The PWD has relocated several pots to ease footpath congestion and transferred them to nurseries, making it challenging to determine whether any pots were stolen," as reported by PTI. 

A senior police officer from the New Delhi district confirmed that no official complaints had been received regarding theft incidents. He further explained that the district's central location in Delhi meant that security measures remained in effect, the report said.

The G20 Summit, which took place from September 7 to 10, involved extensive coordination among multiple agencies to ensure a seamless experience for the 40 heads of state and numerous dignitaries in attendance.