C’wealth Games stadia ready only on paper?
The claims of the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games, led by Suresh Kalmadi, that various Games stadia are “ready” seem to be only on paper. In the case of main Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and other stadia, built by the CPWD, many works continue to be executed. CPWD officials assert that their part of the work has
been completed and it was the problem on the part of other agencies and additionalities being suggested by them that was giving the impression that the work was unfinished.
Sources in the CPWD said the OC had only recently asked them to construct a few rooms near the weight-lifting auditorium in the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium complex for OC’s use. The weight-lifting stadium was the one that had left the authorities embarrassed due to a “leaking” roof during inauguration. However, CPWD officials maintained that the embarrassment could have been avoided had they been allowed to carry out the water flow test, sources said. This too was done under pressure from the OC.
Similarly, the civic agency has put up stands for installation of time score result (TSR) equipment that would be required during the events. The plans for these stands to be constructed at all the Games stadia were also given only a week ago.
On the other hand, the agencies like the MTNL, TCIL and Prasar Bharti have asked the CPWD to dig out a circle of nearly 3 km perimeter around the Major Dhyan Chand national J.L. Nehru stadium for laying of cables. This work will further create problems in giving finishing touches to the stadium through streetscaping. Not long ago, due to certain changes apparently at the international some changes were also suggested at Major Dhyan Chand national stadium for hockey.
, though the Hockey World Cup had been successfully staged at the ground in March this year.
When contacted, director-general CPWD, B.K. Chugh said, “Our mandate has been completed. These additionalities are the requirements of the other agencies for which we have to make provisions. Since their work is going on, it gives an impression that our work is not complete.”
Post new comment