Delhi to host 'greenest' Commonwealth Games: Dikshit

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit called for integration of the green concept while upgrading the existing infrastructure for next year's Commonwealth Games.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday called for integration of the green concept while upgrading the existing infrastructure for next year's Commonwealth Games.

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Interacting with officials of the Green Council, she hoped that Delhi would be able to host the greenest Commonwealth Games in the history of the sporting event.

Shashi Tharoor, former UN under-secretary general, who heads the council, was also present in the meeting.

Dikshit said Thyagraj stadium and Shivaji stadium, which are being reconstructed, would be developed as green buildings.

The DDA has also appointed TERI as its consultant for construction of the Games Village using green building concepts.

Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta, Special Advisor, Commonwealth Games, Ramesh Narayanswami and top officials of Department of Power, PWD and Environment, DDA and MCD were present in the meeting.

Dikshit said compulsory afforestation is being implemented in areas where the trees have been uprooted to pave way for the developmental projects.

She said aesthetic values must be nurtured keeping in view the environmental concerns.

Officials said a proposal to make use of wind power from Rajasthan during Commonwealth Games was also discussed in the meeting.

Dikshit said her government has been concentrating on conservation of water and power, including recycling of water.

The government would strive to enhance bio-diversity through innovative landscaping and reduction in soil toxicity.