'Gamla chor': When G20 flower pots vanished from Delhi streets

Just three weeks after the conclusion of the G20 Summit, several potted plants near Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan started disappearing.

Tuesday afternoon witnessed a scene on the bustling Bhairon Marg where a group of women and children were observed overturning white plastic pots, emptying the soil onto the grass, and nonchalantly departing with the pilfered items.

The Public Works Department (PWD) had strategically positioned approximately 160,000 vibrant flowering and lush green potted plants to beautify and fill the gaps along central verges and roadsides.

Due to a lack of proper maintenance, a significant number of the plants have withered and dried up.

Delhi Police had provided support by deploying officers to maintain vigilance and prevent theft. However, currently, most of the security personnel previously visible on the streets are absent, leaving public property susceptible to theft and potential damage.

Theft has posed a significant challenge for the PWD, as evidenced by the theft of three nozzles from fountains at Delhi Gate last month. Prior to this incident, electrical items and decorative lights had also been reported as missing.