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Saturday, August 30, 2008

How well are we prepared for Commonwealth Games: PHD Chamber


The Olympics ceremony came to a grand closure last weekend, with a spectacular display by China on all fronts, be it sports, courtesy, hospitality, infrastructure, air cleanliness level, rain dispersal, terror threat, transportation (Rail, Bus, taxi). All aspects covering such a major event were worked out to the minutest detail, and with luck favoring them things did run smoothly.

Commonwealth games are scheduled to be held in Delhi, from 3-17 October, 2010. Exactly 770 days are left from today. How well are we prepared for this mega event, which will showcase India to the world. The palpitations should have already started, now that the shield of another event is off. PHD Chamber has suggested construction of a ‘preparedness level index’ for CWG-2010 ensure that all projects are completed within the stipulated time frame.

According to PHD Chamber, the index should take into consideration 4 important benchmarks; Physical Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment and Human Resource Development mainly Sportspersons. This index should be updated every three months to assess the progress made and to take necessary corrective action in case of any delays.

CWG, which would involves some 5,000 athletes from 53 countries, will be the largest sporting event ever staged in India. Having staked India's reputation on the event, New Delhi is spending an estimated US$12bn to prepare the city for the games. With little more than 2 years left, plans to build state-of-the-art sports facilities and transport infrastructure, including new roads, at least 10 flyovers and new underground subway lines, have yet to be executed. Delhi's train stations require up-gradation and the city will have to add some 40,000 hotel rooms to cater to those expected to visit for the games.