G20 Summit: No lockdown, but shutdown order issued for 3-day in New Delhi

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By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi, August 31: The Centre has made it clear that there will be no lockdown situation in the national capital for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on September 9-10. But the shops and other establishments have been ordered to stay shut for three days.

“As per government order, Press Club of India shall remain closed on September 8, 9 and 10, 2023 due to the G20 Summit being held in New Delhi. All shops, commercial and business establishments will remain closed for three days in the New Delhi district,” said the Press Club of India in a notice to members.

Meanwhile, the sources said that the government is not planning to order a lockdown of the whole of the national capital. Partial restrictions, particularly in the New Delhi district, will be enforced, sources said.

Hotels in the national capital have been fully booked out with delegates soon to begin arriving to take part in the two-day long Summit. New Delhi areas have been decorated with several features to give a grand appearance to the Indian presidency.

Delhi’s Forest and Environment Minister Gopal Rai, while addressing the press today, said: “More than 36 lakh saplings have been planted by the government this year to green Delhi before the G-20 summit. The Government has set a goal to plant 52 lakh trees this year as well. The green agencies of each of the 21 involved departments are working together to achieve this goal.” Stating that 70 percent of the target of tree plantation has been achieved, he added that 2.50 lakh pots decorated with flowers and foliage plants are being planted on the road of Delhi for the G-20 summit by the Forest Department.

While 1.80 lakh pots have already been placed along the different roads by Forest Department, the remaining potted flowering plants will be put up in the first week of September so that the plants are in full bloom during the duration of the G20 Summit, said the minister.

Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has also begun giving interviews to counter the claims of the AAP government in the city of having carried out the works for the G20 Summit.