Games projects will be ready on time, says L-G

Multiple civic and regulatory authorities in the capital, blamed for the slow pace of execution of projects, would not come in the way of Commonwealth Games preparations, Delhi-Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna said.

Multiple civic and regulatory authorities in the capital, blamed for the slow pace of execution of projects, would not come in the way of Commonwealth Games preparations, Delhi-Lt. Governor Tejendra Khanna said on Friday.

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Khanna made the remarks while speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting to review Delhi’s preparedness to host the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

Those who attended the meeting included Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar, Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, central and Delhi government officials and representatives from the armed forces and business forums.

Various departments and agencies made presentations on projects linked to the games.

Bottlenecks were also addressed. “As this is the first time India would be hosting the Commonwealth Games, this opportunity must be used to showcase India and the host city of Delhi in the best light,” the L-G said.

Khanna assured all cooperation from the Delhi government in respect of construction of the Games Village and various projects undertaken by DDA. “The meeting was an effort to bring together all stakeholders and agencies on board to monitor key areas of responsibilities and to evolve mechanisms to resolve bottlenecks and inter-agency problems,” he said.

The cabinet secretary, in his brief, identified three major areas of focus: civil infrastructure, sports infrastructure and tourism, along with business proposition. Kalmadi expressed satisfaction on the action taken on ground.

Around 10,000 athletes and sports officials are expected to come to Delhi during October 3-14, 2010, from 71 countries. Besides, a large number of tourists are also expected to come to Delhi. Officials told the meeting that construction of the Commonwealth Games Village was expected to be complete by November 2009.