India has not only come of age in holding mega events like G20 in magnificent style but also pulled it off with astute diplomacy to bring on board diverse groups within the grouping in forging consensus. India spent `4,100 crore for the G20 summit and in the process created a plethora of permanent assets and infrastructure in the national Capital.
Government sources said the Modi Government in a way also exhibited its financial prowess by spending the amount for the mega international historic event when compared to `364 crore in Indonesia last year. While Japan G20 spent `2,660 crore in 2019, Argentina hosted it at `931 crore in 2018 and in the year 2017 the G20 was held in Germany costing the Government `642 crore.
As per the official expenditure accessed by The Pioneer, the maximum cost of `3,600 crore was incurred by ITPO followed by Delhi Police `340 crore. Delhi’s civic bodies like NDMC spent `60 crore, PWD utilised `45 crore, MCD `5 crore, DDA `18 crore, Forest Department `16 crore and the MEA, MES together about `one crore. In the annual Budget 2023-24, the Government had allocated `990 crore for the G20 presidency.
Sources said security, among the most significant components of G20 preparations, was among the most prominent items on the list of expenditure in addition to the maintenance of roads, footpaths, street signage and lighting.
The money was spent on roads, security, footpaths and lighting, among several other things. Several sculptures have also been installed at various places in the national capital as part of the makeover process.
The maximum was spent by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) to present a grandeur Bharat Mandapam in the premises of Pragati Maidan. The newly built international convention and exhibition centre is a state-of-the-art complex and presents a picture of modernity but art and traditions of the country are also reflected in its design and architecture.
The “Summit Meeting Room” has all modern air-conditioning, acoustic and seating facilities but the heritage of India has been tastefully incorporated into its design. The welcome backdrop depicted the ancient Konark temple of Odisha with the G20 logo depicted on one side and the presidency’s theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” —One Earth. One Family. One Future’ — on the other side.
A level above where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi had greeted them before the ceremonial dinner, the backdrop had depicted the ancient Nalanda university ruins in Bihar. In the corridor next to it, a small statue of Nataraja is placed, while the 27-foot tall Nataraja made with ancient lost wax technique used for Chola bronzes, stands majestically in the verdant lawns, adding an artistic and divine touch.
Delhi cabinet ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj thanked the people of Delhi for making the G20 Summit a success and assured that the beautification of the national capital will continue. NDMC said it is contemplating deploying? security guards to prevent vandalisation or theft of assets like fountains and sculptures installed ahead of the G20 Summit.
“We will maintain the assets, including 65 fountains and nearly 20 sculptures, that were installed at prominent locations and roundabouts for the G20 Summit,” NDMC vice-chairman Satish Upadhyay told The Pioneer. He said he has urged Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena to hold monthly or bimonthly meetings of different agencies to ensure better delivery of civic services to people.
