Careless Delhi could lose Commonwealth Games

The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, slated to showcase the new India to the world, could be in jeopardy, reports Sahil Sharma.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, slated to showcase the new India to the world, could be in jeopardy.

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On Tuesday, Austin Sealy, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s coordination committee, warned that problems with the completion of the Games village next to the Akshardham Temple here, could threaten the Games.

“The matter is in judicial review, so I would not like to comment much on it, but if the work is not completed in time, India and New Delhi would be jeopardising their chances of hosting the Games,” said Sealy.

The Commonwealth Games Village site on the Yamuna riverbed is embroiled in a legal tangle in the Delhi High Court after a Public Interest Litigation said the construction would deplete groundwater.

More recently, the Delhi High Court said construction on the floodplain would be at the builders’ risk. But authorities insist they have the approvals.

Sealy’s statement came after a meeting of the 2010 Games organisers. These reports will be discussed by Commonwealth officials in Gambia, Africa, later this week.

“The matter is in court, but they have not issued a stay order on the construction of the village,” said IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi, the organising committee chairman. “The work will continue and the court proceedings will continue. I am highly optimistic.”

The commission, while “satisfied” with other stadia, said no work has started on the velodrome. “I would suggest that no more time be lost,” Sealy said.