'Multiple authorities delayed CWG projects'

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday reiterated it was the multiplicity of authorities that led to a delayed start of the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games projects, but said she was confident that all the work will be completed by the Aug 31 deadline.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday reiterated it was the multiplicity of authorities that led to a delayed start of the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games projects, but said she was confident that all the work will be completed by the Aug 31 deadline.

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Talking to reporters, Dikshit acknowledged there was a delay in starting the projects, but said now the work progress was good.

Earlier speaking at a function, Sports Minister MS Gill said the work on building infrastructure and stadiums should have begun in 2003 and not 2008.

Dikshit has been maintaining that there are too many authorities in the capital like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Development Authority and it puts an obstacle in working unitedly.

The chief minister has asked all the agencies to complete the work related with the mega-event by Aug 31 and make the city absolutely ready to host the Games.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of the city for the Games recently, she said Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta will function as nodal officer to resolve the day-to-day obstacles related to the projects.

The Delhi Metro was also asked by the city government to hand over various roads under its control by July 31 so that beautification and upgradation work can be completed before the Games.