The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has initiated a comprehensive civic preparedness campaign across the national capital ahead of two major international summits scheduled next month — the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) and the 1st International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) Summit.
Both summits are scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from May 28 to June 1and are expected to draw Heads of State and Government, senior policymakers, global CEOs and CXOs, and eminent academicians from across the world.
In a circular issued by the MCD’s Central Zone on May 4, Deputy Commissioner Shashvat Saurabh (IAS) directed all Zonal Deputy Commissioners to ensure “holistic and sustained civic preparedness” within their respective jurisdictions ahead of the summits.
The drive covers a broad range of civic activities including deep cleaning of roads and footpaths, removal of illegal encroachments and unauthorised vendors from key routes, anti-defacement drives against illegal banners and hoardings, repair and maintenance of roads, footpaths and drains, and round-the-clock sanitation supervision.
The corporation has also directed the impounding of stray cattle, dogs and monkeys from key roads, markets and tourist areas through deployment of round-the-clock teams. Uniformity in wall paintings and mural art along identified routes has also been mandated for a better aesthetic appearance across the city.
As per minutes of a review meeting held on April 30 at Civic Centre, chaired by the Additional Commissioner, MCD, zonal officers have been assigned specific tasks with deadlines ranging from May 5 to May 25. A 24×7 control room is to be set up at the zonal level by May 25 to handle any exigencies during the summit period.
The summits, being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, are to be held in the Global South, placing the National Capital under intense international focus, according to the circular. A separate BRICS Summit is also scheduled for September 2026.
