Commonwealth Games Boon For Overall Facelift of the City

Delhi is building an impressive infrastructure in the run-up to the Games but is struggling to address its power and water concerns. Times City concludes its Commonwealth stock-taking exercise with a final look at these two issues

This summer, as the mercury and consequently the demand for electricity soared, distribution companies (discoms) fell short by a massive margin in fulfilling the peak power requirements of Delhi, resulting in widespread protests. This has raised doubts over the power capital’s ability to host a power-packed event like the Commonwealth Games next year.

At a time when discoms are reluctant to buy expensive power to tide over the crisis, Delhi government is not taking chances. Against an anticipated power demand of about 4,000 MW in October next year, it has made arrangements for 5,600 MW. ‘‘We have entered into agreements for much more than the anticipated demand during the Games.

We have tie-ups with Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and the Centre. New power stations are coming up in Bawana, Jhajjar and Dadri. Though some units of the Bawana project are running into delays, these will be covered by the first deadline of the commissioning of the first unit in March next year,’’ said Delhi power secretary Rajender Kumar.

The government also promises two sources of power for all the stadiums so that if one fails, a back-up is always ready. ‘‘A third back-up is also in place for stadium-backed agency,’’ said Kumar. Besides these, the existing systems are being strengthened and the Centre has already clarified that the power from its share of unallocated quota, almost 4,000 MW, will be reserved for Delhi from October to December 2010.

Delhi’s crucial projects for the Commonwealth Games:

Aravali Super Thermal Power Project, Jhajjar

Capacity | 1,500 MW

Delhi’s share | 750 MW

Congress president Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation stone for this coal-based project in October last year. It will be a joint venture of NTPC, Delhi and Haryana governments. While NTPC will hold 51% stake, Delhi and Haryana will have 24.5% each.

The plant being constructed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) will have three units of 500 MW each. Delhi and Haryana will get 750MW each. The first unit of 500 MW is expected to be commissioned by June 2010 out of which Delhi will get 250 MW. The remaining two units are running into delay and while the second unit is expected to start by September-October, the third will only be commissioned by December 2010. ‘‘The delay is due to boiler supply and site works,’’ said an official.

But officials insisted the delay would not hinder their plans. ‘‘Up to 70% work on the first unit has been completed. PGCL will construct a dedicated line for transmitting power from Jhajjar to Mundka from where Delhi Transco take over,’’ said a power department official.

Dadri Thermal Power Station

Capacity | 980 MW

Delhi’s share | 900 MW


Delhi government signed a MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for expansion of the Dadri Thermal Power Station with a commitment for 90% power share. The transmission line of this power station will also be laid by NTPC as the Electricity Act states that the responsibility lies with the generating company.

‘‘The first unit of this plant of 450 MW will be commissioned by November this year, which is actually ahead of schedule. The second unit of 500 MW is expected to be ready by February-March 2010,’’ said a senior official.

Pragati Phase III, Bawana

Capacity | 1,500 MW

Delhi’s share | 950 MW


This gas-based project is said to be running behind schedule but power department officials deny this. Awarded mega-power status certificate, the plant is entitled to get a waiver of Customs duty on imported plant and machinery. It will also get excise duty relief on indigenous plant and equipment, resulting in a saving of nearly Rs 200 crore on project cost.

It has six units four are gas based while two are steam based. ‘‘The first 250 MW unit is expected to be commissioned by March next year, while the other units would follow in May and August. But the plant has run into a three-month delay and the first unit will not be commissioned before June 2010. By the Games, four units will be commissioned,’’ said a source.

The project is critical for meeting the demand during the Games. The government has been projecting this project as the answer to Delhi’s power woes.

Damodar Valley Corporation

Capacity | 2,500 MW

Delhi’s share | 2,500 MW


It is expected to supply 2,300 MW by October 2010. But there has been some delay in the commissioning of units 7 and 8. According to Delhi government, power from DVC will flow to the city in phases and by 2012, Delhi will get up to 8,500 MW. Recently, Damodar Valley Corporation in Jharkhand had failed to deliver the promised power to Delhi on time. This has led to a massive shortage during peak summer months and long power cuts in the city.

What Delhi is doing to augment its supply?

Anticipated demand in Oct 2010 4,000 MW

Government’s arrangement for up to 6,000 MW

Crucial projects for 2010

• Aravali super thermal project
• Pragati phase III (Bawana)
• Dadri Thermal power plant
• Damodar Valley Corporation

What’s more?

4000 MW from the central unallocated quota two independent sources for all stadiums 108 MW from NDPL’s pilot power station, to be commissioned by June 2010 strengthening of transmission network and upgrading streetlights Agreements with Chamera (NHPC), Koldam HEP (NTPC)

Chandigarh Bagged Rs 2 Crore to Prepare Tourism Professional for 2010 CWG

Government of India has allotted city Chandigarh Rs 2 crore under Vision-2022 to prepare human resources in hospitality sector before the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

Information to this effect was shared by Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation Limited (CITCO) general manager (tourism), A K Malhotra that the granted fund will be utilized to raise manpower in alternate institutes, affiliated with All India Colleges and Technical Institutes, would offer an excellent opportunity to unskilled youngsters to make a vocation in the sector.

Commonwealth Games blamed for Increasing Accidents on Delhi Roads

Infrastructure development including roads, flyovers, Foot over bridges, sewer and new water pipelines, metro phase 2 construction etc is going on a jet pace in Delhi in preparation of commonwealth games to be held next year. This has increased number of road accidents according to the Police Commissioner of Traffic, New Delhi.

Construction work taking place in New Delhi in preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games has led to an increase in road traffic accidents, it is alleged.

S N Srivastava, the New Delhi Police Commissioner of Traffic, has put the blame for the increase – 415 accidents until June 15 this year as opposed to 384 road mishaps until the same point in 2008 - on the level of construction work taking place in the city.

He said: “Due to simultaneous construction work at different places in Delhi, the traffic is very turbulent.”There is a lot of obstruction on the roads, and this is responsible for the increase in the number of accidents."

Well said Commissioner, this proves the proverb “Throwing one’s shit to other’s head”

Progress Status of Heritage Game Plan

Monuments to get face lift for games

Archaeological survey of India - 46
State department of Archeology - 50

Important structures:

1. Purana Qila
2. Tuglaqabad Fort
3. Adialbad Fort
4. Delhi Gate
5. Khooni Darwaza
6. Jamali-Kamali
7. Subz Burj
8. Neela Gumbad

Completion Status

Jantar Mantar - 70%

Tuglaqabad Fort - Just Started

Adialbad Fort - Just Started

Chhoti Gumti - 70 -80 %

City Wall, Daryaganj - 60%

Khairon Manzil - 30%

Jamali-Kamali - 70%

Delhi Gate - 60%

Dadi Poti - Just Started

Rai Pithora - Just Started

Najafgarh - Just Started

Adilabad - Just Started

Siri Fort - 30%

Satpula - 30%

Salimgarh - Just Started

Safdarjung - Just Started

Heritage Game Plan Crawls at Snail’s Pace

Next years commonwealth games are going to be a remarkable event in Indian history. When millions of tourists will visit India for games, we have a very strong chance to show case our rich heritage and history for which our monuments are live example. Keeping this in mind government had decided to revamp and restore all the monuments of historical importance in and around Delhi under “Heritage Game Plan”. But bad luck, some of them faced legal hurdles and some become victims of political and executive hatchbacks and like all other projects, got delayed... Let us see in coming days what happens

The days are numbered and the work is not even half done. Delhi’s caretaker of monuments, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) still has a long to go as far as restoring 46 selected heritage buildings in the city for the Commonwealth Games is concerned. Senior officials say 40% of the overall work scheduled for the Games is complete, and the rest would be completed before the Games deadline of 2010.

The Delhi government is very keen to showcase the capital’s rich heritage to tourists expected to throng the city during the Games and has made several plans to that effect. World heritage sites Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and Red Fort apart, ASI officials also want to promote less frequented monuments like Tughlaqabad Fort, Purana Qila, Safdarjung Tomb, Siri Fort wall and the Hauz Khas monuments.

On the cards is complete revamp of the selected sites including painting, facade restoration, garden development and minor repairs. ‘‘Estimates have been prepared for all the sites except FerozeShah Kotla and Red Fort which are under process. Some of the conservation work has been outsourced to INTACH like the Lodi Gardens monuments while Aga Khan Trust is handling some monuments in Nizamuddin. The conservation work has been divided in two phases,’’ said an ASI official.

Tourist amenities are a major component of the projects. In some monuments, they will be constructed from scratch while sites like Qutub Minar and Purana Qila require massive up-gradation. Benches, interpretation centers, toilets, parking facilities, garden development, and audio-guide services are all parts of tourist friendly plans for monuments which are to be in place in coming months.

However, a lot of work is yet to fall into place. Parking facilities in the three world heritage sites is another area of concern. ‘‘In Red Fort, we are yet to get possession of the new parking lot from CPWD. There are already existing parking lots at Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, so we do not anticipate problems for visitors,’’ said a senior official.

Another aspect is illumination for which 13 sites have been selected. Five monuments have already been lit, including Safdarjung Tomb. The monuments that were illuminated earlier were Purana Qila, Sher Shah Gate and Masjid and Subz Burj. Next in line are Feroze Shah Kotla, Khan-e-Khana tomb, Bara Khamba, Lal Darwaaza, Chhoti Gumti, Sikri Gumti, Biran-ka-Gumbad, Dadi Poti ka Gumbad and Najaf Khan’s tomb. ASI officials said work has been divided among various agencies but uniformity is a must.

‘‘The work is being monitored by us to ensure work is on schedule. For tourist information, we are coming out with a brochure which will contain data on all 46 sites that will be available in all the monuments. A website is also under development by Delhi Tourism,’’ said a senior ASI official.

In a city which spans several dynasties, historians claim that each structure is a living testimony in itself. Bits and pieces from the Tughlaq, Lodi, Mughal dynasties and even the British rule can be seen all over the city. The Planning Commission has sanctioned a special fund of Rs 25 crore to Delhi’s ASI circle for up-liftment and conservation plans for identified structures within the city.

Delhi is home to 1,200 heritage buildings listed by INTACH Delhi Chapter out of which 173 have been listed protected by ASI. Three protected sites, Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb have been bestowed the world heritage status by UNESCO and take top priority in terms of visitor management and overall maintenance. In recent years, however, ASI has also shifted attention to smaller structures in the city many neglected and hope to develop them as popular tourist destinations in time for the Games.

Approach road to monuments are also in for a facelift. Officials claim that beautiful buildings like Tughlaqabad Fort or Zafar Mahal lose out on visitors only because of their location where there are no parking facilities, no access route and encroachment is rampant. Then there are structures which people pass everyday without seeing them.

Work As a Volunteer in 2010 Commonwealth Games

Many of my readers ask me how they can participate as a volunteer in the 2010 games. As I posted earlier that they can apply directly on a plain paper to the organizing committee

Now Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel management, which comes under the Ministry of Tourism, government of India has announced a program for students to prepare as volunteers for coming commonwealth games

Selection Criteria and Eligibility:

Students pursuing graduation/post graduation between 18 and 25 years of age. NOC from
college/university is required for joining this programme.

Stipend: Every successful participant will be paid Rupees 1000/- for the program.

Selection: Through a written test to be held at various centers in Delhi.

Training centers: Various centers like Jamia Millia Islamia, College of vocational studies, Amity University NOIDA, Delhi Institute of Hotel Management etc.

Application Form: Can be downloaded from institute's website: www.iittm.org

Application fee: Application completed in all respect should be submitted along with the application fee of Rs. 100/- in form of a DD in favor of "Director IITTM", payable at New Delhi. Duly completed forms can be submitted at IITTM at above mentioned address and also at Department of Tourism, Hotel, Hospitality and Heritage Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar New Delhi - 110025

Last Date: August 21, 2009

Entrance Exam - September 20, 2009

More details can be obtained from www.iittm.org

Feast for senses to unfold

The capital is getting ready to showcase its cultural heritage with a series of events — Delhi Celebrates — during the Commonwealth Games


Giant TV screens in public green spaces, touch screens along tourist hubs, hop-on hop-off tour buses, food melas along popular haunts like Baba Kharak Singh Marg and elaborate cultural events staged in historical monuments — that’s Delhi for you, come October 3, 2010.

As part of its elaborate plans for Commonwealth Games 2010, the art and culture department of Delhi government has lined up a host of events for the extravaganza. The theme — reportedly chosen by the CM herself — is ‘Delhi Celebrates’, which the department of art and culture is banking on for capturing the imagination of the people. Says Rina Ray, secretary, ‘‘The theme was chosen as it encompasses everyone in the city.’’ It’s not just the theme, however, which the government is planning to pedal as ‘soft power’. With a line-up that includes theatre, heritage tours, food melas and vintage car rallies, officials say it’s an opportunity to showcase the city in a unique way.

Adds Ray, ‘‘It won’t be just an exercise by the government. We are in talks with private organisations as well which are involved in art and culture to come forward and showcase the city.’’

Ray admits it’s a mammoth task, especially as few of the well known cultural landscapes of the city like Kamani or Triveni auditoriums are run by the local government. ‘‘The idea is to put our best foot forward, so we would like that everyone participates, including non-Delhi government institutions,’’ says Ray. With a mandate to highlight the cultural heritage of the city, officials in the department admit that unlike the curtain-raiser in Melbourne last year which was Bollywood-dominated, Delhi’s Commonwealth Games would give top billing to the traditional arts.

For the tourist, of course, it’s going to be a fortnight-long Indian mela, say officials. Garden festivals, night bazaars, exhibition of archives, food courts in popular places like Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Janpath, vintage car exhibition, heritage bus tours, walking tours with a colonial flavour for the tourists from Commonwealth countries and handicraft melas — there’s something for everyone, claim government officials.

That’s not all. To make the city more touristfriendly, the department is planning to make its website more ‘‘dynamic’’, with real-time information like which bus/metro route to take from point A to B, visual walkways, as well as nuggets of information on the city: say, how parathewali gali came by its name, who invented the chaat in Delhi etc.

The Delhi government will also put up touch screens in public spaces, starting from the airport, to serve as tourist information points. There will also be giant television screens put up across popular green areas to bring the Games action straight to those who may not have made it to the stadia.

The department also plans to tie up with the tourist departments of neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and UP so that a composite and standardised tourist experience can be offered to those visiting the country at that time. ‘‘And to ensure that the city is on its best behaviour, we plan to not only run its civility campaign but also tie up with local RWAs and trader associations so that Delhi can be showcased as an international city,’’ says Ray. For those looking for a cultural experience, the government plans to run its traditional festivals like Gurbani (devotional music), Ananya (dance) and Jahan-e-Khusrau (dance and music) during the October extravanganza, besides inviting non-governmental cultural organisations to also put up their own exhibitions. Adds Ray, ‘‘The venues will be spread all over, from the Bahai temple to DU lawns to even malls.’’

As a precurser, the culture department plans to hold a ‘‘dry run’’ in September when events will be held in Safdarjung Tomb, Qutub Minar and the Red Fort. Added Ray, ‘‘For the first time, we will come out with a brochure of events in the city as part of the dry run. It will show us what else we can add to the lineup we have planned for the Games.’’

OPENING & CLOSING

In-charge of opening and closing ceremonies, which have been kept under wraps as of now

Bharat Bala creative director for both events

International consultant, Spectak Productions from Italy, chosen for logistical and creative inputs

Five event management companies shortlisted for the events

Both ceremonies ideated by a team led by Shovana Narayan, who is the Jt director in-charge of ceremonies and a core team comprising Bharat Bala, Shyam Benegal and Javed Akhtar

WHAT’S LINED UP

Fortnight-long ‘Indian Mela’, to be held during the Games, will include

Garden festivals

Night bazaars

Exhibition of archives

Food courts in popular places like Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Janpath

Vintage car exhibition

Heritage bus tours

Walking tours with a colonial flavor, especially for tourists from Commonwealth countries

Handicraft melas

Traditional festivals like Gurbani (devotional music), Ananya (dance) and Jahane-khusrau (dance and music) during the October extravaganza

Culture department to hold a ‘‘dry run’’ in September with events in Safdarjung Tomb, Qutub Minar and Red Fort

A brochure of events will be published as part of the dry run

Tourist-friendly

A dynamic culture department website with real-time information
Buses/Metro routes to take from point A to B
Touch screens in public spaces, including airport and railway stations, to serve as tourist information points
Giant television screens in popular green areas for live telecast of the Games events

150 Ambulances before 2010 Games

Several deadlines and changes later, Delhi government’s ambitious project — augmentation of existing Centralized Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) fleet from 35 to 150 is finally rolling. The health department has signed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Fortis Healthcare. The first set of 50 ambulances will be delivered by January 2010.

‘‘By July next year, the facility will be completely in place. We are going to be very strict with deadlines. The ambulance services will be operated by Fortis Healthcare, but the ambulances will be owned by the government,’’ said Delhi health minister Kiran Walia.

Of the 150 ambulances, nine will be advance life support (ALS) and 141 will be basic life support (BLS) vehicles. ‘‘The existing 35 ambulances will be phased out soon and would be replaced by BLS ambulances,’’ said a senior CATS official. At least, 20 first responders’ bikes, which will carry first-aid to congested alleys, will also, be pressed into service. ‘‘The ambulance on motorbikes or first responders is a new concept. These bikes will be able to reach congested areas in no time and provide first aid,’’ said a CATS official.

According to the agreement, Fortis will have to hire its own staff (paramedics) to run the service. Once operational, it would cost the government Rs 1.23 crore per month. ‘‘The government has paid a fixed amount under the PPP for the purchase of ambulances and would be paying a monthly annuity once it is operational. But the payment of Rs 1.23 crore per month is subject to certain conditions like the minimum number of trips made by each ambulance in a month,’’ said the official. Of the 150 ambulances, 39 will be run by the CATS department.

The government has made the services free for several categories like below poverty line, trauma cases. ‘‘As it is a PPP model, Fortis is free to charge patients for the service provided. But we have exempted some categories who can avail the services for free or at government decided rates,’’ said the official.

During the Commonwealth Games, these ambulances will be strategically stationed near the Games venues and residential complexes of CWG officials and athletes. The service will be available under the toll-free number 102.

A Brand New Face of City Healthcare to Come up before 2010 CWG

From setting up special wards to augmenting ambulance fleet, the city is slowly upgrading its medical infrastructure for Commonwealth Games

As government shifts gears and moves into the fast lane for getting infrastructure in place for the Commonwealth Games next year, doubts are being raised over city’s ability to ramp up its ailing healthcare facilities in time for the 2010 event.

State health minister Kiran Walia claims the government is doing everything to upgrade the infrastructure but is not willing to put a number to the work done. ‘‘We can’t quantify the amount of work done, as most of it will start in months to come. Hopefully, by December or January next year a lot will be in place,’’ she said.

But with member countries expressing security concerns, especially in the wake of September 13 blasts of last year, the city will have to take some concrete confidence building measures to show the guests that our hospitals are ready to tackle any emergency situation unlike the chaos that prevailed during the blasts. Walia says there’s no need to panic. ‘‘We have identified hospitals as primary and secondary response centres for each competition venue. And we are also pushing for better coordination between hospitals. Moreover, all hospitals have their disaster management programme in sync with that of the government’s,’’ the minister said.

Here’s the healthcare roadmap to Games:

COMMONWEALTH WARDS

Special 10-bedded well-equipped wards have been created at AIIMS Trauma Centre, RML Trauma Centre and GB Pant Hospital for athletes and officials. These hospitals will also have a separate casualty and observation area along with designated medical staff. ‘‘For security reasons, we need separate casualty wards for athletes and Games officials with dedicated entrance for them. These special wards are in use but will be modified during the Games. The new building coming up at GB Pant can also be used,’’ said Dr AK Aggarwal, dean Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and in-charge of Commonwealth wards.

To ensure that common man doesn’t suffer during the Games, AIIMS Trauma centre will add more beds to the existing ward. ‘‘We want no interruption in the functioning of the centre,’’ said Dr MC Misra, chief, AIIMS Trauma Centre.

SPECIAL MEDICAL STAFF

The government will train nearly 500 paramedical staff at Delhi Health Service (DHS) office in Karkardooma and an equal number of doctors in sports medicine, advance life support etc and how to deal with emergency situations at Games venues, said Dr Aggarwal. ‘‘We should be prepared to handle any kind of emergency. Our doctors should know how to de-contaminate a patient who has been exposed to harmful radiations. The methodology of transporting these patients is also very different. Doctors and paramedical staff also have to protect themselves. We have trained 40 doctors in the first batch and would like to train as many as possible before the Games,’’ said Dr Misra, on the sidelines of a training programme for doctors organized by Delhi government, AIIMS, National Disaster Management Authority and Defense Research and Development Organization.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RESPONSE CENTRES

The government has identified eight primary response centres — where patients will be rushed first in case of emergency — and 10 supplementary response hospitals — which will cater to the spillover. Each Games venue has been designated a primary and a secondary response centre (see list).

Initially, Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital (LBSH), Malviya Nagar Hospital, Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital (AAAH), Sushruta Truma Centre (STC) and Dr Hegdewar Arogya Sansthan (DHAS) were earmarked as primary response hospitals because patient load in AIIMS, GB Pant and RML is very high. ‘‘But health infrastructure was not up to the mark in these hospitals. That’s why we decided to make AIIMS, RML, GB Pant etc as primary response centres which have facilities like CT-Scan, digital X-ray, MRI etc,’’ said an official.

A medical centre at all training and competition venues will be set up and one doctor with two or three paramedics will be deployed. ‘‘We are also going to have physiotherapists at all the venues,’’ said Dr Arun Mendiratta, director, medical services, Commonwealth Games.

POLYCLINIC AT GAMES VILLAGE

A 10-bedded polyclinic with facilities like ultrasound, digital x-ray and other diagnostic test will be set at Games Village. At the polyclinic, 150 doctors and paramedical staff would be posted round the clock. ‘‘Though we are ready with our plan, DDA is yet to hand over the complex to us,’’ said Minister Kiran Walia.

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

Till last year, the government had planned to install diagnostic facilities like CT-scan, digital x-rays at supplementary hospitals and had sanctioned Rs 22 crore. ‘‘But there is an acute shortage of radiologists. That is why, the government has decided to outsource CT-scan, digital X-rays at these hospitals,’’ said senior health officials.

‘‘There is going to be good diagnostic facility at all the primary and supplementary response hospitals. The government has ordered ice-making machines for competition venues, as it is a major requirement for sports events,’’ said Dr Mendiratta. But the tenders for the same are yet to be floated.

FACELIFT

One of the main centres, GB Pant will get a facelift before the Games. The health department held a meeting with MCD to clean the lane outside the hospital. ‘‘At present, a lot of space outside GB Pant and Lok Nayak has been encroached by small kiosks. We have asked MCD to remove illegal kiosks,’’ said health minister minister Kiran Walia.

AMBULANCES

• Number of ambulances 150
• Advanced life support 9
• Basic life support 141
• First responders on motorbike 20 (mainly for first aid)
• Ambulance service cost per month Rs 1.23 cr
• Number of doctors deployed for Games 500
• Number of paramedical staff 500
• Facilities for athletes and Games officials
• AIIMS Trauma Centre RML Trauma Centre GB Pant hospital

These facilities will have a 10-bedded well-equipped ward each, separate casualty and close to 30 medical staff 10-bedded state-of-the-art polyclinic at Games Village site

Primary response hospitals

The first response centres in case of emergency situations like blast or stampede All India Institute of Medical Sciences Safdarjung Hospital Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital Lok Nayak Hospital Hindu Rao Hospital Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital GB Pant Hospital

Supplementary response hospitals

Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital

Number of beds | 100
ICU beds | nil

Dr Hegdewar Arogya Sansthan Hospital

Number of beds | 200
ICU beds | Yet to start

Malviya Nagar Hospital

Number of beds | 100
ICU beds | 6

Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital

Number of beds | 100
ICU beds | nil

Sushruta Trauma Centre

Number of beds | 100
ICU beds | 6

Preparatory Security Arrangements for 2010 CWG

Delhi Police has been making all necessary preparatory security arrangements for the safe conduct of the Commonwealth Games-2010, Delhi. The following steps have been taken;

(i) A Commonwealth Games Security Planning Office headed by a Joint Commissioner of Police has been set up in April, 2006;

(ii) Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned 12,612 posts to Delhi Police, out of which 8213 posts have been sanctioned specifically to strengthen the security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games. This involves an estimated expenditure of Rs. 426 crore for 2009-10 and 2010-11.

(iii) Procurement of additional security equipments like X-Ray Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs), Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs) Vehicles, communication equipments, etc., specifically for Commonwealth Games-2010 by Delhi Police has been proposed. This involves an estimated expenditure of Rs. 104.93 crore.

(iv) During 2008-09, Delhi Police was provided 200 new motorcycles for patrolling with an expenditure of Rs. 1.05 crore and 130 new PCR vehicles with an expenditure of Rs. 7.75 crore for increased visibility and speedy response leading to timely intervention in law & order situation and crime situation.

(v) The Government has also approved installation of CCTV systems in 58 market places and 27 border check posts by ECIL on single tender basis. Two Pilot projects are at an advance stage of completion.

(vi) Rs. 40.80 crore has been released to Delhi Police recently under Police Modernization Scheme.

(vii) An Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) is being installed in the city covering 302 intersections/crossings and 87 corridors covering 204 kms. The ITS will cover Traffic Light Management, Limited Traffic Zone, Parking Management system, Traffic violation enforcement system, variable message signs, etc., and displaying the same on a video wall in the Central Control Room for further processing and value added functions. Phase I of ITS Project will cover the area specific to the requirement of the Commonwealth Games (2010).

(viii) The construction plans for all venues including the Commonwealth Games village are being vetted by Delhi Police from security point of view.

(ix) Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines for security of under-construction sites to all the concerned venue owners for implementation. Accordingly, steps have been taken by venue owners on police verification of the workers, perimeter security, access control etc.

(x) An Empowered Security Committee (ESC) headed by Union Home Secretary and a Commonwealth Games Security Review Committee (CWGSRC) headed by Additional Secretary have been constituted for this purpose in MHA to review the security arrangements from time to time.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Mullappally Ramachandran, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.