Commonwealth Games Federation president visited Thyagaraj stadium on Wednesday morning and then left for Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to oversee preparations for the upcoming mega event to be held in the national capital .jpg) Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010 has attracted much hue and cry, with controversies looming large. With 45 days to go for CWG, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Michael Fennell, accompanied by CEO Mike Hooper, paid a 2-day state visit.
The main agenda is to oversee preparations for the upcoming mega event, which will be held in Delhi from October 3-14. As per the schedule, he visited Thyagaraj Stadium on Wednesday morning and then left for Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. He will also pay a visit to Indira Gandhi Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and Games Village.
Speaking on venues of late, Organising Committee vice-chairman Randhir Singh said that the game sites are in ‘top-class shape’ and are expected to be completed within a week’s time by August 25.
In addition to an update on various stadiums, Mr Fennell will hold meetings with officials from government departments to review the security measurements. Based on CGF president’s feedback, the nations that have raised doubts on security would take the final call.
He will also hold meetings with Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, urban development minister Jaipal Reddy and the executive board of the Organising Committee.
Mr Fennel’s visit comes at a time when construction delays have hard hit stadiums and the Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi has been alleged of financial irregularities.
PM steps in
Amid severe embarrassments, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh stepped in to speed up processes for CWG. The PM entrusted a group of ministers, led by the cabinet secretary to oversee preparations for the October mega event.
According to the new guidelines set by the PM, ministers will have to provide weekly report on the progress, together with a top cabinet official who will monitor daily progress of preparations. It is said that the PM will undertake a self-inspection by August-end.
According to a recent statement from the PM office, the ministers will be required to update public with authentic information on the state of preparations from time-to-time.
Regarding complaints on irregularities in building standards, loss of revenue and other corrupt practices, the PM ordered thorough investigation and assured that all those found guilty will be severely punished. However, action will be taken after CWG ends on October 14.
Jeeta Bandopadhyay |
