LED screens turns damp squib with no audience

They were installed to bring people closer to the Commonwealth Games — but to no avail. Spectators chose to stay away from the 25-odd LED screens put up in major markets in the city to telecast live feed of the opening ceremony.

They were installed to bring people closer to the Commonwealth Games — but to no avail. Spectators chose to stay away from the 25-odd LED screens put up in major markets in the city to telecast live feed of the opening ceremony.

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Due to the thick security cover with security personnel posted at every corner, Delhiites had no option but to stick to their television sets.

“Had the markets not been shut, people would have come out in huge numbers. We are hoping that the government will consider keeping the markets open for the closing ceremony. Across the world these screens act as a platform for people to come together and enjoy.

“I think the situation will improve from tomorrow,” Col. Kunwar Ajay Singh, executive senior vice president of International Techno Media Private Limited, said.

LED screens in markets such as Defence Colony, Greater Kailash I and Lajpat Nagar wore a deserted look, with security personnel as the lone audience.

While action was missing at these markets, people had gathered at unexpected places to watch and enjoy the opening ceremony. Hordes of people gathered on the Moolchand flyover to catch a glimpse of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and witness the fireworks.

On the other hand, malls and shopping complexes in Gurgaon and Noida on Sunday witnessed large turnout as markets in Delhi were closed on account of the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games .
Malls in Gurgaon did a brisk business with shoppers from Delhi turning out in huge numbers. Mall authorities had a tough time organising space for additional vehicles as majority of the parking lots were packed to capacity.