Ornate Roundabouts Turn Vandalism Hubs

Once adorned with fountains, sculptures and lights, several of Delhi's revamped roundabouts are now stripped bare—hit by a wave of thefts post-G20 Summit, with stolen items worth ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh vanishing under cover of the night, according to police

- Jignasa Sinha

NEW DELHI: As open green spaces and traffic manoeuvres for the sprawling city roads extending from Lutyens' Delhi to other extremes and neighbouring NCR cities, Delhi's roundabouts serve as significant geographical markers. But, this has not made them immune to the Capital's dark side, as thefts and misuse of these public spaces have left many roundabouts dysfunctional.

Envisioned as ornate pieces, with fountains, statues, lighting and other artistic installations, most of them are currently riddled with issues, ranging from stolen wires, missing infrastructure and broken equipment, within years of a revamp done in the run-up to the G20 Summit in 2022-23.

In a spot check on May 26, HT identified issues at six major roundabouts.

To be sure, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is responsible for the construction and maintenance of 52 roundabouts in Lutyens' Delhi area.

According to officials, the civic body carried out a major revamp drive at these roundabouts in 2022-23 during preparation for the G20 Summit held in the Capital.

Many art pieces, which were installed under the beautification drive, are now missing or in shambles.

Last year, HT reported that the NDMC was continuing the revamp of roundabouts with sculptures, fountains and ornamental features.

Cut to late May: HT's spot check at six roundabouts in the area found many wires, locks, lamp posts, electricity equipment, signboards, flower pots, plants, and other trinkets adorning the parks missing.