New Delhi to have green C'wealth Games

The Delhi government is using an environmental friendly approach for the 2010 games, reports Amitabh Shukla.

The Delhi government wants the Commonwealth Games in 2010 to be a "Green" affair. For the government, this means environmental friendly approach to various games related constructions and subsequent maintenance.

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Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit shot off letters to Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, Union Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyyar and Indian Olympics Association (IOA) President Suresh Kalmadi for ensuring a “Green Commonwealth Games” in 2010.

As the construction activity for the Games’ village on the banks of the Yamuna is yet to begin, Dikshit wants that the structures should use clean and renewable energy, efficient use of water, use of recycled or recyclable material and provide healthy indoor air quality.

“Green Buildings not only address ecological and environmental impacts in a holistic manner but at the same time offer tremendous economic benefits,” the letter said.

Dikshit said international experience shows that the operating cost for such buildings is 30 percent lower, while the incremental investment is only 2 percent higher.

Urging the two Union ministers and the IOA president for incorporation of “Green Building” design, Dikshit said, “this will greatly help in environmental improvement and conservation of scarce resources”. The CM said it will also serve as a role model for the private sector to incorporate green features in their buildings.

Interestingly, Delhi government is yet to construct any “Green Building” for its offices. Moreover, the construction arm of the state government – PWD – is yet to receive directions on constructing “Green Buildings”. 

“Recently tenders were floated for the construction of police stations and schools by the PWD. But the Green Building concept was not being implemented as no specific directions have been issued,” said a senior official.

In addition, such buildings require new designs by architects, specialising on the issue, and very few are available in Delhi, officials point out.

Email Amitabh Shukla: ashukla@hindustantimes.com