C'Wealth Games Federation remarks: Government announces series of measures

Stung by the Commonwealth Games Federation dubbing the Athletes Village as "filthy and uninhabitable", the government today announced a series of measures to address the concerns and remove the deficiencies relating to cleanliness and maintenance at the complex.

A high-level meeting attended by Delhi Lt governor Tejindra Khanna, Union cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar, principal secretary to prime minister TKA Nair and Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta reviewed the facilities at the Games Village and decided to increase manpower for cleaning, housekeeping and maintenance.

The status of preparedness at the Commonwealth Games Village was reviewed and shortcomings pointed out by CGF president Michael Fennell was discussed and addressed to, said an official.

Fennell has asked the government to take immediate steps to fix the condition of Games Village's residential zone, which according to him, has "shocked" many contingents.

In a statement, Fennell said he had written to the cabinet secretary and requested him to take urgent steps before the first batch of athletes arrive on Thursday.

CGF chief executive Mike Hooper also echoed similar sentiments and termed the Athletes village as "filthy and uninhabitable". He, however, hoped that with Fennell's intervention, the mess would be sorted out in the next two days.

A Command and Control Centre, comprising special officers appointed by Central government, Venue Administrator, Venue security commander, representatives of the organising committee and the Developer of the Village will coordinate all activities relating to operations and maintenance, the meeting decided.

The meeting, attended by top officials of several other central and city government departments, also decided to increase number of professionals to ensure proper upkeep of the Village where nearly 8,000 athletes from 71 countries are expected to put up.

During the past few days, certain deficiencies in the residential zone of the Village particularly pertaining to cleanliness and minor rectifications had been pointed out by some delegates of participating countries which had been promptly attended to, a statement issued after the meeting said.

Fennell shot off a letter to Chandrasekhar, asking him to take immediate steps to fix the deficiencies in residential zone of the Village, which he said has "shocked" advance parties from New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland because of its unhygienic condition.

"The final preparations for the Games Village have been of concern to the CGF since viewing the residential zone along with a number of Commonwealth Games Associations advance parties on September 15," Fennel said in a strongly-worded statement.

As per the decision, chief engineer (electrical), of the Delhi Development Authority, assisted by representatives the city government and power discom BSES will be in full charge of ensuring uninterrupted supply of power in the village comprising residential and international zone.

It has also been decided to deploy more manpower and resources to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of the apartments in the towers.

It was also decided to appoint one officer from DANICS (Delhi Andaman and Nicobar Island Civil Service) in each of 34 towers to ensure coordination and ensure proper maintenance and cleaning.

The meeting also decided that any additional manpower and other resources, as required, will be provided on top priority by the city government, Delhi Development Authority and MCD.

The requirement of such manpower and resources will be assessed and conveyed by the Command and Control Centre.

The developer will immediately ensure that all maintenance and repair work, as may be required in each tower, will be carried out promptly and on a 24x7 basis.

In view of heavy rains, any requirement to drain out water in the area will be promptly carried out by the developer with assistance from MCD.

Khanna, Chandrasekhar and other top officers who attended the meeting, expressed full confidence that with the measures announced, the deficiencies which have been noticed will be fully and promptly addressed to the satisfaction of the guests.