G20 Summit’s Facelift for New Delhi Eclipses City’s Underprivileged

As the Indian capital of New Delhi undergoes extensive renovations in preparation for the upcoming G20 summit, newly paved roads, well-lit pedestrian areas, and freshly painted murals adorn the city. These beautification efforts, backed by a $120 million investment, aim to display India’s cultural significance and reinforce its standing on the global stage.

However, for the city’s impoverished residents, these aesthetic improvements translate into forced evictions and the elimination of livelihoods. The marginalized communities claim that they have been “erased” from the cityscape, akin to how stray animals have been removed from several localities.

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aspires to use the beautification initiatives as a showcase to elevate India’s global standing. However, this has raised ethical questions around governmental strategies for addressing poverty. Official data from the 2011 census estimated that 47,000 individuals were homeless in New Delhi, but activists argue that the true figure is more than triple that number.

Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of homes and informal commercial spaces have been razed, resulting in the displacement of thousands. The demolition of multiple shantytowns, often with little notice given to residents, has added to the existing crisis. While authorities label these actions as a move against “illegal encroachments,” both human rights activists and the evicted call into question the fairness and morality of such policies, alleging that it has propelled even more individuals into homelessness.

It is worth noting that similar clearance operations have occurred in other Indian cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, which have also hosted G20 events. For activists, the issue extends beyond merely “sweeping the poor under the rug.”

Abdul Shakeel, a representative from activist group Basti Suraksha Manch, criticizes the use of taxpayer money for such endeavors. “The same funds used for the G20 are being deployed to displace those who contributed to them. The logic is flawed,” Shakeel states.

The G20 summit is slated to be held at the recently built Bharat Mandapam building, located near the iconic India Gate, and will be attended by global leaders from the world’s 19 richest nations as well as the European Union. India currently holds the G20 presidency, a role that rotates among member nations annually.

A recent report from the Concerned Citizens Collective, a human rights organization, indicates that almost 300,000 people have been displaced due to preparations for the summit, particularly those residing in areas planned for diplomatic visits. The report further alleges that the government has failed to offer alternative housing solutions for those displaced.

In a display of increasing restrictions on dissent, a meeting of activists, academics, and politicians scrutinizing the Modi government’s G20 involvement was recently halted by police intervention. Rekha Devi, a resident whose home was destroyed, lamented the obliviousness of authorities despite proof of her family’s near-century-long residence. “In the pretext of a global summit, the working class and the poor are the ones truly paying the price,” she said.

While India has made some strides in poverty alleviation—nearly 135 million people have risen out of multidimensional poverty between 2016 and 2021 according to a government report—the nation still faces substantial challenges. Previous incidents of forced evictions for major events, including President Donald Trump’s 2020 visit to Gujarat and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, have brought similar criticisms.

Street vendors like Shankar Lal find themselves in a difficult dilemma. Forced to relocate, their opportunities to earn a living are severely restricted. “We are bound by government regulations, regardless of whether they recognize our struggle to survive,” said Lal.

The irony is palpable: as the government invests millions to refine New Delhi’s image for the global stage, it simultaneously dims the spotlight on its most vulnerable citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about G20 Summit Displacement

More about G20 Summit Displacement

• G20 Official Website
• India’s Poverty Alleviation Efforts
• Human Rights Watch Report on Forced Evictions in India
• Statistics on Homelessness in India
• Indian Government’s Official Statement on G20 Preparations
• Concerned Citizens Collective Report
• Basti Suraksha Manch Activities
• Gujarat Wall During Trump Visit
• Commonwealth Games 2010 and Forced Evictions
• Overview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Policies