Delhi CWG 2010 (3-14Oct): 9 Australian athelets caught doping
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India’s preparations for its biggest-ever sporting event are embarrassing
Commonwealth games in Delhi: Who will bell the cat? | The Economist
WHEN is a big orange cat with black stripes, symbolic of India, not a tiger? When it’s a lion, according to Lalit Bhanot, secretary-general of the Organising Committee (OC) for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth games—for thus he describes Shera, the Games’ mascot. Mr Bhanot also insists that India will be ready to host the Games, to be contested by 8,000 athletes from 71 nations in October next year. That is similarly to ignore evidence to the contrary.
India’s preparations for the games are a shambles. Most visibly, 19 main sports venues are construction sites. According to a leaked report by the government’s main auditor in July, work on 13 of them was badly behind schedule—with swimming, boxing, hockey and rugby sites half-finished. The main Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, built for the Asian games in 1982—India’s only comparable experience of playing host to such a vast sporting event—and now being rebuilt, was never expected to stand comparison with Beijing’s futuristic “Bird’s Nest” stadium. But, on a visit to the site this week, it was tempting to fear it may not stand at all. The stadium’s roof, to shelter 60,000 spectators, remains an aspiration. The adjoining “weightlifting auditorium” is a low-level concrete mess.
But the venues are a relatively small concern for the Commonwealth Games Federation, an anxious governing body. Its Jamaican president, Michael Fennell, wrote this month to the OC, seeking crisis talks with India’s prime minister, Manmohan Singh. Mr Fennell was concerned that, with just a year to go, the committee had barely started planning to run the event. According to a leaked copy of his letter, he wanted to brief Mr Singh personally on the lack of preparations, and “seek his input in developing an appropriate recovery plan.”
Such a plan might start—six years after Delhi won the games—with a serious think about transport, medical care and catering. The OC also needs to sort out ticketing. And it could use a broadcasting strategy—ideally before all the broadcasters interested in covering the event meet in Delhi next month.
Why is India, even as it demands, and gets, more respect in the world on the back of recent economic progress, making such a hash of this? It is not because it is poor. With an expected operating budget of 16 billion rupees ($335m), these games will be among the best financed ever. Nor is it because of another hackneyed excuse for inefficiency, India’s democracy. The most politically contested issues, such as bulldozing slums to make way for the contestants’ village, have largely been settled.
Rather, the OC displays many of the weaknesses of India’s incompetent public sector at large. It is well staffed, with 300 employees. But almost every big decision is made by a small number of senior officials, including allegedly timorous and slothful bureaucrats, with no specialist understanding of their tasks—and who are therefore reluctant to make any decision at all.
The OC’s deputy-boss, Randhir Singh, seems to have accepted this. “We now have to retrieve the games,” he said this week. Specifically, he called for urgent changes to a system where: “There are 23 committees looking into the various organisational aspects of the games, but the chairmen of these committees hardly ever meet.”
Commonwealth games in Delhi: Who will bell the cat? | The Economist
WHEN is a big orange cat with black stripes, symbolic of India, not a tiger? When it’s a lion, according to Lalit Bhanot, secretary-general of the Organising Committee (OC) for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth games—for thus he describes Shera, the Games’ mascot. Mr Bhanot also insists that India will be ready to host the Games, to be contested by 8,000 athletes from 71 nations in October next year. That is similarly to ignore evidence to the contrary.
India’s preparations for the games are a shambles. Most visibly, 19 main sports venues are construction sites. According to a leaked report by the government’s main auditor in July, work on 13 of them was badly behind schedule—with swimming, boxing, hockey and rugby sites half-finished. The main Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, built for the Asian games in 1982—India’s only comparable experience of playing host to such a vast sporting event—and now being rebuilt, was never expected to stand comparison with Beijing’s futuristic “Bird’s Nest” stadium. But, on a visit to the site this week, it was tempting to fear it may not stand at all. The stadium’s roof, to shelter 60,000 spectators, remains an aspiration. The adjoining “weightlifting auditorium” is a low-level concrete mess.
But the venues are a relatively small concern for the Commonwealth Games Federation, an anxious governing body. Its Jamaican president, Michael Fennell, wrote this month to the OC, seeking crisis talks with India’s prime minister, Manmohan Singh. Mr Fennell was concerned that, with just a year to go, the committee had barely started planning to run the event. According to a leaked copy of his letter, he wanted to brief Mr Singh personally on the lack of preparations, and “seek his input in developing an appropriate recovery plan.”
Such a plan might start—six years after Delhi won the games—with a serious think about transport, medical care and catering. The OC also needs to sort out ticketing. And it could use a broadcasting strategy—ideally before all the broadcasters interested in covering the event meet in Delhi next month.
Why is India, even as it demands, and gets, more respect in the world on the back of recent economic progress, making such a hash of this? It is not because it is poor. With an expected operating budget of 16 billion rupees ($335m), these games will be among the best financed ever. Nor is it because of another hackneyed excuse for inefficiency, India’s democracy. The most politically contested issues, such as bulldozing slums to make way for the contestants’ village, have largely been settled.
Rather, the OC displays many of the weaknesses of India’s incompetent public sector at large. It is well staffed, with 300 employees. But almost every big decision is made by a small number of senior officials, including allegedly timorous and slothful bureaucrats, with no specialist understanding of their tasks—and who are therefore reluctant to make any decision at all.
The OC’s deputy-boss, Randhir Singh, seems to have accepted this. “We now have to retrieve the games,” he said this week. Specifically, he called for urgent changes to a system where: “There are 23 committees looking into the various organisational aspects of the games, but the chairmen of these committees hardly ever meet.”
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fullstory
Delhi to upgrade govt hospitals before CWG
New Delhi, Sept 23 (PTI) In view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Delhi government will soon upgrade facilities in various hospitals run by it and located across the city.
Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said government hospitals will be made well equipped soon as part of efforts to modernise healthcare facilities ahead of the prestigious sporting event.
Walia was speaking after inaugurating a newly constructed ICU and an Emergency OPD block in Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital at Khichripur.
Local MP Sandeep Dikshit, Deputy Speaker Delhi Assembly Amrish Gautam were also present on the occasion.
Walia said the number of beds in the Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital will be increased from 100 to 200 to cater to the needs of the patients.
Dikshit appealed to the doctors working in government hospitals not to quit their government jobs.
Delhi to upgrade govt hospitals before CWG
New Delhi, Sept 23 (PTI) In view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Delhi government will soon upgrade facilities in various hospitals run by it and located across the city.
Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said government hospitals will be made well equipped soon as part of efforts to modernise healthcare facilities ahead of the prestigious sporting event.
Walia was speaking after inaugurating a newly constructed ICU and an Emergency OPD block in Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital at Khichripur.
Local MP Sandeep Dikshit, Deputy Speaker Delhi Assembly Amrish Gautam were also present on the occasion.
Walia said the number of beds in the Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital will be increased from 100 to 200 to cater to the needs of the patients.
Dikshit appealed to the doctors working in government hospitals not to quit their government jobs.
Urban planners decry colour code
In order to ensure a uniform look across the city during Commonwealth Games 2010, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been asked to acquire street furniture for all important stretches.
With 54 stretches identified for streetscaping before the Games, an expression of interest (EOI) has been floated by NDMC for acquiring information kiosks, security booths, food kiosks, bus shelters, toilets, benches and dustbins which will comprise the furniture required. The main aim of carrying out streetscaping is to make the stretches pedestrian-friendly.
Said an NDMC official: "We will install street furniture around 11 Games venues, near airports, railway stations, hotels etc. To ensure a uniform look, NDMC coordinated with MCD and PWD and has now floated an EOI. An agency will be given advertising rights and will manufacture and maintain the street furniture. We will shortlist the company within a month's time and it will take another six months to execute the project. Each agency has already hired consultants to carry out streetscaping work.''
The financial implications of the project is still being worked out. Meanwhile, streetscaping will take place along a 75-km stretch in the city with 24 roads belonging to PWD, 21 to MCD and nine to NDMC.
NDMC has already begun streetscaping work along Tees January Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Lane and Mandir Marg. Meanwhile, MCD is supposed to take on work along Lodhi Road, Dilip Singh Marg, Surajkund Road, Harsukh Dev Marg, Jhandu Singh Marg, Vivekanand Road, Venkateshwar Mandir Marg, road near Kingsway Camp, Nishad Raj Road, Bhishampitamah Marg and Lodhi Road. PWD will take on stretches along Ring Road and Outer Ring Road.
Meanwhile, MCD is not too happy with NDMC being made responsible for shortlisting the company which will take care of street furniture for the entire city. Mayor Dr Kanwar Sain also wrote a letter to NDMC chairperson expressing his objections.
Times of India
In order to ensure a uniform look across the city during Commonwealth Games 2010, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been asked to acquire street furniture for all important stretches.
With 54 stretches identified for streetscaping before the Games, an expression of interest (EOI) has been floated by NDMC for acquiring information kiosks, security booths, food kiosks, bus shelters, toilets, benches and dustbins which will comprise the furniture required. The main aim of carrying out streetscaping is to make the stretches pedestrian-friendly.
Said an NDMC official: "We will install street furniture around 11 Games venues, near airports, railway stations, hotels etc. To ensure a uniform look, NDMC coordinated with MCD and PWD and has now floated an EOI. An agency will be given advertising rights and will manufacture and maintain the street furniture. We will shortlist the company within a month's time and it will take another six months to execute the project. Each agency has already hired consultants to carry out streetscaping work.''
The financial implications of the project is still being worked out. Meanwhile, streetscaping will take place along a 75-km stretch in the city with 24 roads belonging to PWD, 21 to MCD and nine to NDMC.
NDMC has already begun streetscaping work along Tees January Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Lane and Mandir Marg. Meanwhile, MCD is supposed to take on work along Lodhi Road, Dilip Singh Marg, Surajkund Road, Harsukh Dev Marg, Jhandu Singh Marg, Vivekanand Road, Venkateshwar Mandir Marg, road near Kingsway Camp, Nishad Raj Road, Bhishampitamah Marg and Lodhi Road. PWD will take on stretches along Ring Road and Outer Ring Road.
Meanwhile, MCD is not too happy with NDMC being made responsible for shortlisting the company which will take care of street furniture for the entire city. Mayor Dr Kanwar Sain also wrote a letter to NDMC chairperson expressing his objections.
Times of India
Terror to traffic, 2010 vigil plan spelt out
Weeks after the furore over Commonwealth Games 2010 preparations in the city, the organising committee on Wednesday was more than eager to showcase its security plans for the Games. On the first day of the conference of security liaison officers of Commonwealth countries as well as representatives of Commonwealth Games Associations, the government along with the OC laid out the elaborate plans it has drawn up. From tackling terror to taming traffic woes, the presentations by Delhi Police was well received, added sources.
Speaking at the event, minister of state for home Ajay Maken assured the visiting delegates that the government was "committed to making the Games a success''. As a step towards that, the home ministry has constituted several inter-ministerial committees to ensure speedy coordination and communication, he added. Also present at the conference was Union home secretary G K Pillai and chairman of OC, Suresh Kalmadi.
However, it was the presentations by the Delhi Police that garnered the most attention, added sources. From plans to counter terror like having over 2,000 CCTV cameras to keep a watchful eye on the happenings in the city and keep sending live images to a state-of-the-art police control room being set up at the police headquarters to tackling traffic during the Games, the presentations addressed several issues that had been raised by participating countries, said sources. The delegates were also assured that as far as security was concerned, there would be no dearth of resources and manpower. However, officials claimed that it was made clear that no details of the security set-up would be put up on the websites, so that information would not be leaked in the case of hacking.
Part of the plans include the presence of elite NSG commandos at the Games as well as 300 ambulances and over 500 beds, which will be kept ready round-the-clock to deal with any terror situation or other emergency during the Games. The meeting also discussed issues like crowd control, routes of the athletes from Games Village to venues, VIP visit arrangements, security at the entry and exit points and preparedness during emergency situations besides medical facilities at each venue. The Indian side informed the delegates that besides keeping Delhi safe in the run up to the Games, the entire country will also be kept secure from any act of terror or major law and order incident.
During the presentation, the Indian side informed security experts from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and others participating nations, that there was no specific terror threat to the Games in which 8,000 athletes of 72 countries will participate and over 1,00,000 spectators are likely to turn up. Directors general of police of different states have also been sensitised to ensure a safe and secure environment.
The delegates will be taken on a conducted tour to some of the Games venues on Thursday so that they can have first hand experience on the preparations.
Source:TOI
Weeks after the furore over Commonwealth Games 2010 preparations in the city, the organising committee on Wednesday was more than eager to showcase its security plans for the Games. On the first day of the conference of security liaison officers of Commonwealth countries as well as representatives of Commonwealth Games Associations, the government along with the OC laid out the elaborate plans it has drawn up. From tackling terror to taming traffic woes, the presentations by Delhi Police was well received, added sources.
Speaking at the event, minister of state for home Ajay Maken assured the visiting delegates that the government was "committed to making the Games a success''. As a step towards that, the home ministry has constituted several inter-ministerial committees to ensure speedy coordination and communication, he added. Also present at the conference was Union home secretary G K Pillai and chairman of OC, Suresh Kalmadi.
However, it was the presentations by the Delhi Police that garnered the most attention, added sources. From plans to counter terror like having over 2,000 CCTV cameras to keep a watchful eye on the happenings in the city and keep sending live images to a state-of-the-art police control room being set up at the police headquarters to tackling traffic during the Games, the presentations addressed several issues that had been raised by participating countries, said sources. The delegates were also assured that as far as security was concerned, there would be no dearth of resources and manpower. However, officials claimed that it was made clear that no details of the security set-up would be put up on the websites, so that information would not be leaked in the case of hacking.
Part of the plans include the presence of elite NSG commandos at the Games as well as 300 ambulances and over 500 beds, which will be kept ready round-the-clock to deal with any terror situation or other emergency during the Games. The meeting also discussed issues like crowd control, routes of the athletes from Games Village to venues, VIP visit arrangements, security at the entry and exit points and preparedness during emergency situations besides medical facilities at each venue. The Indian side informed the delegates that besides keeping Delhi safe in the run up to the Games, the entire country will also be kept secure from any act of terror or major law and order incident.
During the presentation, the Indian side informed security experts from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and others participating nations, that there was no specific terror threat to the Games in which 8,000 athletes of 72 countries will participate and over 1,00,000 spectators are likely to turn up. Directors general of police of different states have also been sensitised to ensure a safe and secure environment.
The delegates will be taken on a conducted tour to some of the Games venues on Thursday so that they can have first hand experience on the preparations.
Source:TOI
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CWG: UNIFEM to support India on tackling trafficking
New Delhi: Terming the rate of trafficking and rape of women in India as alarming, a UN body on Thursday said it will utilise the Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to spread awareness on the issue and pledged support to New Delhi in this regard ahead of the sporting event next year.
The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) said it has worked on this issue earlier also during Commonwealth Games held elsewhere.
"We want to do it (spreading awareness) in India before, during and after the 2010 Games," Anne F Stenhammer, UNIFEM's Regional Programme Director, told a news agency.
Noting that the cases of trafficking and rape are on a rise globally, she said, "but in South Asia, mainly in India, Bangladesh and Nepal, the situation is alarming."
Extending a helping hand a year ahead of the Games, she said the UN body is ready to help the Organising Committee on Commonwealth Games to "work in this regard".
She added that the world body's 'Safe City' programme that constitute awareness drives on trafficking and other forms of crime against women will also be extended to Delhi ahead of the 2010 Games.
However, Stenhammer said the UNIFEM has not drawn a "proper plan". She pointed out that "we need to mobilise all the resources and people for the Games. But the issues must constitute a part of school curriculum".
"The mindset need to be changed. But it takes time and so we will take the help of sports clubs, sportsmen and stars as they will be heard much on the issue," she added.
New Delhi: Terming the rate of trafficking and rape of women in India as alarming, a UN body on Thursday said it will utilise the Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to spread awareness on the issue and pledged support to New Delhi in this regard ahead of the sporting event next year.
The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) said it has worked on this issue earlier also during Commonwealth Games held elsewhere.
"We want to do it (spreading awareness) in India before, during and after the 2010 Games," Anne F Stenhammer, UNIFEM's Regional Programme Director, told a news agency.
Noting that the cases of trafficking and rape are on a rise globally, she said, "but in South Asia, mainly in India, Bangladesh and Nepal, the situation is alarming."
Extending a helping hand a year ahead of the Games, she said the UN body is ready to help the Organising Committee on Commonwealth Games to "work in this regard".
She added that the world body's 'Safe City' programme that constitute awareness drives on trafficking and other forms of crime against women will also be extended to Delhi ahead of the 2010 Games.
However, Stenhammer said the UNIFEM has not drawn a "proper plan". She pointed out that "we need to mobilise all the resources and people for the Games. But the issues must constitute a part of school curriculum".
"The mindset need to be changed. But it takes time and so we will take the help of sports clubs, sportsmen and stars as they will be heard much on the issue," she added.
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The Hindu : News / National : Centre assures foolproof security for Commonwealth Games
Seeking to allay apprehensions over security of next year’s Commonwealth Games, India on Thursday told the international community that foolproof measures would be put in place to ensure that terrorists do not succeed in disrupting the mega sporting event.
At a meeting with security experts of 26 of 71 participating nations here, Home Secretary G.K. Pillai detailed the measures the government is taking to provide protection to venues and players.
He told reporters that as of now there was no specific terror threat and all venues and games villages will be sealed seven to 14 days ahead of the commencement of the tournament in October 2010.
“On behalf of the organising committee and the Sports Ministry and everybody in the Government of India, we want to tell everyone that we are totally committed to a secure and safe Commonwealth Games,” he said after a two-day meeting of security liaison officers of Commonwealth countries and members of Commonwealth Games Associations.
The Home Secretary said special security arrangements will be made for the 30 Heads of States and other dignitaries expected to attend the fortnight-long extravaganza.
“Before the Commonwealth Games, we need to have five more meetings of International security lapse and liaison group. By that time the venues would be available and conditions planned and the drills would have done. And if there are any more arrangements which need to be fine-tuned, we would be able to do that,” he said.
The Home Secretary said the dignitaries were given assurance that all arrangements will be made for emergency healthcare, evacuation and security for the athletes and officials and when they visit historical and tourist sites.
“They also wanted to know about health facilities, ambulance, emergency and evacuations plans. We discussed in details during the presentations and they appeared to be pleased on that,” he said.
The Home Secretary said copies of the presentation would be sent to all commonwealth countries next week and a complete presentation would be given to media on security and traffic.
“These will be tentative since it is still a year away but it is the same presentation which we have made to security liaison group,” he said.
Asked whether any representative of Pakistan attended the two-day conference, Mr. Pillai said though they did not but the government hoped they would participate in future meetings and the games in full strength.
Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said the basic mission of his force was not only to keep games safe but also the city safe.
Altogether 30,000 volunteers would help the organisers for successful completion of the fortnight-long extravaganza.
Allaying apprehensions, Sports Secretary Sindhushree Khullar said all venues, games villages and connecting roads would be ready well before the time.
Former Delhi Chief Secretary R. Narayanswamy said the necessary infrastructure like flyovers and roads would be ready in next few months.
Seeking to allay apprehensions over security of next year’s Commonwealth Games, India on Thursday told the international community that foolproof measures would be put in place to ensure that terrorists do not succeed in disrupting the mega sporting event.
At a meeting with security experts of 26 of 71 participating nations here, Home Secretary G.K. Pillai detailed the measures the government is taking to provide protection to venues and players.
He told reporters that as of now there was no specific terror threat and all venues and games villages will be sealed seven to 14 days ahead of the commencement of the tournament in October 2010.
“On behalf of the organising committee and the Sports Ministry and everybody in the Government of India, we want to tell everyone that we are totally committed to a secure and safe Commonwealth Games,” he said after a two-day meeting of security liaison officers of Commonwealth countries and members of Commonwealth Games Associations.
The Home Secretary said special security arrangements will be made for the 30 Heads of States and other dignitaries expected to attend the fortnight-long extravaganza.
“Before the Commonwealth Games, we need to have five more meetings of International security lapse and liaison group. By that time the venues would be available and conditions planned and the drills would have done. And if there are any more arrangements which need to be fine-tuned, we would be able to do that,” he said.
The Home Secretary said the dignitaries were given assurance that all arrangements will be made for emergency healthcare, evacuation and security for the athletes and officials and when they visit historical and tourist sites.
“They also wanted to know about health facilities, ambulance, emergency and evacuations plans. We discussed in details during the presentations and they appeared to be pleased on that,” he said.
The Home Secretary said copies of the presentation would be sent to all commonwealth countries next week and a complete presentation would be given to media on security and traffic.
“These will be tentative since it is still a year away but it is the same presentation which we have made to security liaison group,” he said.
Asked whether any representative of Pakistan attended the two-day conference, Mr. Pillai said though they did not but the government hoped they would participate in future meetings and the games in full strength.
Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said the basic mission of his force was not only to keep games safe but also the city safe.
Altogether 30,000 volunteers would help the organisers for successful completion of the fortnight-long extravaganza.
Allaying apprehensions, Sports Secretary Sindhushree Khullar said all venues, games villages and connecting roads would be ready well before the time.
Former Delhi Chief Secretary R. Narayanswamy said the necessary infrastructure like flyovers and roads would be ready in next few months.
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Pak stays away from meet on C'wealth Games security - India - NEWS - The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Pakistan, one of the Commonwealth countries which will participate in the 2010 Games here in October next year, skipped the two-day
International Security Liaison Conference which was convened to address security-related concerns of the participating nations.
Though Pakistan was expected to send its representative to the conference, which ended on Thursday, it preferred to stay out. Around 76 delegates (security professionals and representatives from high commissions) from other Commonwealth countries attended the meet.
Asked whether any representative of Pakistan attended the conference, home secretary G K Pillai said though they did not attend, the government hoped they would participate in future meetings and the Games in full strength.
Copies of the presentation, made by Delhi Police over security preparedness during the two-day conference, will, however, be sent to Pakistan which is also expected to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the International Security Liaison Group (ISLG) on security arrangements for Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010.
Pillai said copies of the presentation would be sent to all Commonwealth countries next week and a complete presentation would be given to media on security and traffic.
Stating that "there is no threat at all as of today" to the Commonwealth Games, the home secretary said the representatives of participating nations -- who attended the conference -- were fully satisfied with the security preparedness.
NEW DELHI: Pakistan, one of the Commonwealth countries which will participate in the 2010 Games here in October next year, skipped the two-day
International Security Liaison Conference which was convened to address security-related concerns of the participating nations.
Though Pakistan was expected to send its representative to the conference, which ended on Thursday, it preferred to stay out. Around 76 delegates (security professionals and representatives from high commissions) from other Commonwealth countries attended the meet.
Asked whether any representative of Pakistan attended the conference, home secretary G K Pillai said though they did not attend, the government hoped they would participate in future meetings and the Games in full strength.
Copies of the presentation, made by Delhi Police over security preparedness during the two-day conference, will, however, be sent to Pakistan which is also expected to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the International Security Liaison Group (ISLG) on security arrangements for Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010.
Pillai said copies of the presentation would be sent to all Commonwealth countries next week and a complete presentation would be given to media on security and traffic.
Stating that "there is no threat at all as of today" to the Commonwealth Games, the home secretary said the representatives of participating nations -- who attended the conference -- were fully satisfied with the security preparedness.
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Games compared to an Indian wedding
Monday, 28 Sep, 2009
A model apartment is displayed at the games village that is being built for the
Commonwealth Games 2010, in New Delhi, May 19, 2009. -Photo by Reuters
NEW DELHI: With 12 months to go until the start of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, the city risks a fiasco rather than a proud moment that puts the country on the path to hosting the Olympics.
This stark warning came from the head of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Michael Fennell who sent an urgent letter to the local organising committee in September lamenting the lack of progress.
Preparations across the vast city of 14 million people are unmissable, however, with multiple building sites, billboards and new transport links serving as a reminder to everyone of the October 3-14, 2010 event.
Indian Sports Minister Manohar Singh Gill has compared the Games to an Indian wedding. ‘Preparations go on until the last minute, but everything ultimately falls into place,’ he said recently.
Some slums have been cleared, beggars are set to be tackled and Delhi's often abrasive residents are being groomed on how to welcome foreign visitors to the capital.
Authorities even intend to help prevent the infamous ‘Delhi belly,’ with a plan called ‘Safe food, tasty food’ under consideration by India's food safety agency that would rate restaurants gold, silver or bronze depending on their food safety and hygiene performance.
For now though, the main focus is on building after an Indian government report in August said that work on 14 of the 19 sports venues was running late, while nine transport projects also risked not being completed in time.
‘Our concerns are such that unless there is significant change in the management culture and operation of the organising committee these Games will fail from an operational perspective,’ wrote Fennell in his damning letter.
‘The CGF is extremely worried about the organising committee's ability to deliver the Games to any comparable standard to that of the last two editions of the Games in Manchester (2002) and Melbourne (2006).’
The Games, the biggest multi-sport event to be staged in India since the 1982 Asian Games, will feature 71 nations and territories including Britain, Australia and Jamaica.
Since the disparaging reports on progress were leaked to the press, the government has been at pains to stress that all work will be finished in time.
It has also sought to allay fears about security following deadly attacks in Mumbai last year and a string of recent travel warnings about militant activity in the country.
‘There is absolutely no doubt that the venues will be ready,’ sports secretary Sindushree Khullar told the media last week during a two-day security conference for participating countries.
Top police and security officials reassured delegates about preparations to keep Delhi safe during the Games, which will see 15-30 heads of state in attendance.
‘We are committed to hosting a safe and secure Commonwealth Games,’ Khullar said.
Officials have even dropped a proposal to provide high-speed Internet wi-fi services across the Indian capital during the Games because they feared militants would use the network.
With all the investment committed, Indian politicians have a lot riding on the event, which at 1.6 billion dollars will be the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever, surpassing the 1.1 billion dollars spent by Melbourne in 2006.
And if it helps India to host the Olympics one day -- there are suggestions it might bid for the 2020 event -- it will be seen as money well spent in some quarters.
For the people of Delhi, the focus of the Games is set to bring benefits in the form of new sporting facilities and improved transport, though not everyone is happy.
‘India could have spent all the money to open at least a million schools and playgrounds in villages and cities,’ said Sandhya Mridul, a primary school teacher.
And in a country where comparisons with China are never far away, there is anxiety about following the Beijing Olympics last year, which were hailed universally as the best ever.
‘I hope we don't make a fool of ourselves before the world. Hosting the Games is like opening the doors to the world to allow them to examine our strengths and weaknesses,’ said Rajiv Narain, 74, the owner of a jewellery store.
‘Even if we do half of what China did for the Olympics we will be successful and Indians will be proud of their country,’ added Mohammed Yusuf, 21, a fine art student.
DAWN.COM | Sport | Games compared to an Indian wedding
Monday, 28 Sep, 2009
A model apartment is displayed at the games village that is being built for the
Commonwealth Games 2010, in New Delhi, May 19, 2009. -Photo by Reuters
NEW DELHI: With 12 months to go until the start of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, the city risks a fiasco rather than a proud moment that puts the country on the path to hosting the Olympics.
This stark warning came from the head of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Michael Fennell who sent an urgent letter to the local organising committee in September lamenting the lack of progress.
Preparations across the vast city of 14 million people are unmissable, however, with multiple building sites, billboards and new transport links serving as a reminder to everyone of the October 3-14, 2010 event.
Indian Sports Minister Manohar Singh Gill has compared the Games to an Indian wedding. ‘Preparations go on until the last minute, but everything ultimately falls into place,’ he said recently.
Some slums have been cleared, beggars are set to be tackled and Delhi's often abrasive residents are being groomed on how to welcome foreign visitors to the capital.
Authorities even intend to help prevent the infamous ‘Delhi belly,’ with a plan called ‘Safe food, tasty food’ under consideration by India's food safety agency that would rate restaurants gold, silver or bronze depending on their food safety and hygiene performance.
For now though, the main focus is on building after an Indian government report in August said that work on 14 of the 19 sports venues was running late, while nine transport projects also risked not being completed in time.
‘Our concerns are such that unless there is significant change in the management culture and operation of the organising committee these Games will fail from an operational perspective,’ wrote Fennell in his damning letter.
‘The CGF is extremely worried about the organising committee's ability to deliver the Games to any comparable standard to that of the last two editions of the Games in Manchester (2002) and Melbourne (2006).’
The Games, the biggest multi-sport event to be staged in India since the 1982 Asian Games, will feature 71 nations and territories including Britain, Australia and Jamaica.
Since the disparaging reports on progress were leaked to the press, the government has been at pains to stress that all work will be finished in time.
It has also sought to allay fears about security following deadly attacks in Mumbai last year and a string of recent travel warnings about militant activity in the country.
‘There is absolutely no doubt that the venues will be ready,’ sports secretary Sindushree Khullar told the media last week during a two-day security conference for participating countries.
Top police and security officials reassured delegates about preparations to keep Delhi safe during the Games, which will see 15-30 heads of state in attendance.
‘We are committed to hosting a safe and secure Commonwealth Games,’ Khullar said.
Officials have even dropped a proposal to provide high-speed Internet wi-fi services across the Indian capital during the Games because they feared militants would use the network.
With all the investment committed, Indian politicians have a lot riding on the event, which at 1.6 billion dollars will be the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever, surpassing the 1.1 billion dollars spent by Melbourne in 2006.
And if it helps India to host the Olympics one day -- there are suggestions it might bid for the 2020 event -- it will be seen as money well spent in some quarters.
For the people of Delhi, the focus of the Games is set to bring benefits in the form of new sporting facilities and improved transport, though not everyone is happy.
‘India could have spent all the money to open at least a million schools and playgrounds in villages and cities,’ said Sandhya Mridul, a primary school teacher.
And in a country where comparisons with China are never far away, there is anxiety about following the Beijing Olympics last year, which were hailed universally as the best ever.
‘I hope we don't make a fool of ourselves before the world. Hosting the Games is like opening the doors to the world to allow them to examine our strengths and weaknesses,’ said Rajiv Narain, 74, the owner of a jewellery store.
‘Even if we do half of what China did for the Olympics we will be successful and Indians will be proud of their country,’ added Mohammed Yusuf, 21, a fine art student.
DAWN.COM | Sport | Games compared to an Indian wedding
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AI to be official carrier of Commonwealth Games
New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Air India was today designated as the official carrier of the Commonwealth Games 2010 and said it is mulling to run special charter services to accommodate visitors and sportspersons during the mega event next year.
The airline today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to be the official carrier during the Games, which is scheduled to be held between October 3 and 14, 2010.
"Air India has become the first company to be associated with the Commonwealth Games, and we will put our best foot forward as an official carrier," Air India Chairman and Managing Director Arvind Jadhav said at the signing ceremony.
He said that the national carrier would consider re-routing and upgrading of aircraft as per the requirement depending on the size of foreign delegations.
AI to be official carrier of Commonwealth Games
New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Air India was today designated as the official carrier of the Commonwealth Games 2010 and said it is mulling to run special charter services to accommodate visitors and sportspersons during the mega event next year.
The airline today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to be the official carrier during the Games, which is scheduled to be held between October 3 and 14, 2010.
"Air India has become the first company to be associated with the Commonwealth Games, and we will put our best foot forward as an official carrier," Air India Chairman and Managing Director Arvind Jadhav said at the signing ceremony.
He said that the national carrier would consider re-routing and upgrading of aircraft as per the requirement depending on the size of foreign delegations.
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fullstory
Dikshit meets PM on Commonwealth Games
New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and briefed him about the status of infrastructure projects being implemented ahead of the Commonwealth Games next year.
Dikshit drove to the Race Course Road residence of the Prime Minister for the meeting which was also attended by Union Sports Minister M S Gill.
Her meeting with Singh comes in the backdrop of criticism that some of the crucial infrastructure projects will miss the October 2010 deadline.
Sources said the Chief Minister has briefed Singh about the status of the Games related projects and where it stands now.
The Dikshit government has been facing flak for delay in construction of virtually every infrastructure project being undertaken by the Delhi government for the big sports event.
Dikshit meets PM on Commonwealth Games
New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and briefed him about the status of infrastructure projects being implemented ahead of the Commonwealth Games next year.
Dikshit drove to the Race Course Road residence of the Prime Minister for the meeting which was also attended by Union Sports Minister M S Gill.
Her meeting with Singh comes in the backdrop of criticism that some of the crucial infrastructure projects will miss the October 2010 deadline.
Sources said the Chief Minister has briefed Singh about the status of the Games related projects and where it stands now.
The Dikshit government has been facing flak for delay in construction of virtually every infrastructure project being undertaken by the Delhi government for the big sports event.
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PM takes stock of C?wealth projects; asks for fine tuning
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday directed the Sports Ministry to fine-tune coordination among various agencies involved in next year's Commonwealth Games amid growing concerns that the country was not adequately prepared to host the mega sporting event.
Singh took stock of the various ongoing projects in an hour-long review meeting attended by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Sports Minister M S Gill and Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia among others.
"After the review meeting, the prime minister asked the sports minister to coordinate with Indian Olympic Association officials to fine-tune preparations," a PMO source said after the meeting.
Briefing the Prime Minister about the status of various projects undertaken by her government for the Games, Dikshit gave an assurance that all efforts are being taken to make the sporting extravaganza a great success and that all the projects will be completed well in time.
The review meeting comes nearly a month after Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennel sought Singh's intervention to put things in order as it appeared that much of the crucial infrastructure projects will miss the 2010 October deadline.
After the review meeting with the Prime Minister, Dikshit and Gill met Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and discussed various aspects and projects related to the Games and the progress of each of them.
Gill described the meeting with Reddy as "regular". Asked about Dikshit's meeting with the Prime Minister, official sources said "the Chief Minister gave a detailed presentation of status of various projects being implemented to enhance the city's infrastructure".
An official of the Prime Minister's Office also visited various project sites last week to take stock of progress of work.
Meanwhile, sources said the general assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation is meeting here this week to assess preparation of the city for the event.
The CAG had in a recent report raised concerns over the pace of progress of various infrastructure projects and wondered whether the city government will be able to complete them ahead of the event.
Maintaining that there is a dip in revenue generation, official sources said the city government was contemplating seeking additional funds to the tune of Rs 1000 crore to upgrade the infrastructure.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday directed the Sports Ministry to fine-tune coordination among various agencies involved in next year's Commonwealth Games amid growing concerns that the country was not adequately prepared to host the mega sporting event.
Singh took stock of the various ongoing projects in an hour-long review meeting attended by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Sports Minister M S Gill and Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia among others.
"After the review meeting, the prime minister asked the sports minister to coordinate with Indian Olympic Association officials to fine-tune preparations," a PMO source said after the meeting.
Briefing the Prime Minister about the status of various projects undertaken by her government for the Games, Dikshit gave an assurance that all efforts are being taken to make the sporting extravaganza a great success and that all the projects will be completed well in time.
The review meeting comes nearly a month after Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennel sought Singh's intervention to put things in order as it appeared that much of the crucial infrastructure projects will miss the 2010 October deadline.
After the review meeting with the Prime Minister, Dikshit and Gill met Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and discussed various aspects and projects related to the Games and the progress of each of them.
Gill described the meeting with Reddy as "regular". Asked about Dikshit's meeting with the Prime Minister, official sources said "the Chief Minister gave a detailed presentation of status of various projects being implemented to enhance the city's infrastructure".
An official of the Prime Minister's Office also visited various project sites last week to take stock of progress of work.
Meanwhile, sources said the general assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation is meeting here this week to assess preparation of the city for the event.
The CAG had in a recent report raised concerns over the pace of progress of various infrastructure projects and wondered whether the city government will be able to complete them ahead of the event.
Maintaining that there is a dip in revenue generation, official sources said the city government was contemplating seeking additional funds to the tune of Rs 1000 crore to upgrade the infrastructure.
