Monday, August 30, 2010

PM Instructs Staff to Double Efforts

With 34 days left for the Commonwealth Games, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday visited the centerpiece Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies. He asked officials to ‘‘redouble their efforts to quickly complete’’ the work as people ‘‘expect a spectacular’’ opening to the mega event.

Accompanied by sports minister M S Gill and Commonwealth Games organizing committee chairperson Suresh Kalmadi, the prime minister was shown various facilities at the complex, including the field of play, media facilities, VIP box, stands for spectators. He was also apprised of security and other arrangements.

Said B K Chugh of the CPWD, ‘‘The PM discussed a number of issues with senior officials at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, from traffic to security and other matters.’’ CPWD officials admitted the PM also discussed delay in construction work. Said a senior CPWD official, ‘‘Officials present were asked to ensure that the work was on schedule, especially with little time left to complete the job.’’

‘‘The prime minister said it was a beautiful stadium and he urged all concerned authorities to redouble their efforts to quickly complete whatever works remained,’’ noted a statement issued by Prime Minister’s Office.

Manmohan Singh reached the bowl-shaped stadium around noon to take stock of the venue. ‘‘He was at the stadium for 25 minutes and spoke to officials about Games preparedness,’’ said an official.

The prime minister’s visit to the stadium also came two days after Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit confirmed the August 31 deadline for completion of all Games-related projects would not be met. She said the city, however, will be ready at least 15 days before the Games start from October 3, ‘‘provided the sun shines and rain stops’’.

0 comments: