Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Gaurav_S
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Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Background:

Commonwealth Games are not too far (October 2010) and this is the time that we need to discuss loads of issues that revolve around hosting such a big sporting event in India. The estimated budget is above $1.5 billion, participating nations 85 and 8500 atheletes coming from across the globe. Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) has been raised on 10th Feb 2005, as a registered society under the Societies Reg Act 1860. The OC has set itself the goal of providing best standards of service to athletes, officials and public. It hopes to set new benchmarks for other Host nations with regards to urban sustainable development by showcasing excellent infrastructure and facilities which could be used by the society and the general public for generations to come.

Significance to India:

This is the first time India will be hosting such a large event in her history. There have been only couple of third world countries like Jamaica and Malaysia holding Commonwealth Games in the past.

Given the circumstances of global economy slowdown, security in the subcontinent, India's aspiration to become superpower, China hosting its best ever Olympic games in 2008 there is a lot at stake for India. This is the best chance for India to showcase its might in terms of general infrastructure, sporting infrastructure, tourist attractions, social environment etc. Infact, this is the chance to change any westerners perception as India just being land of spices and slum dwellers. Perhaps no one will disagree with the fact that such an event will help India to swim the tides of global recession.

One should not deem this event limited to itself but also as a launching pad for hosting Olympic games. Beforehand,one needs to keep track of all the preparation Organizing Committee is doing and all kind of challenges being faced (Political, Judiciary, Monetary, Social, Infrastructural etc)

Why this thread:
  • Discuss infrastructure, security and environmental issues
    India's prepardeness for Commonwealth Games
    Discuss direct and indirect effects to Indian economy
    Event management in India
    People's perception towards sports
    Foster other sports apart from Cricket in India
    all other stuff that relates to Commonwealth Games
Resources:

http://www.cwgdelhi2010.org/NewCWG/home.aspx

http://www.exploredelhi.com/commonwealt ... index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Commonwealth_Games
Last edited by Rahul M on 04 Oct 2010 05:47, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: thread title edited.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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One game India can't afford to lose
By Neeta Lal

NEW DELHI - As time runs out before New Delhi's hosting of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, there is widespread concern about India's levels of preparedness for the spectacle, which was hoped to showcase the nation's rising sporting and economic prowess and rejuvenate the capital's infrastructure.

There was nationwide jubilation in 2005 when New Delhi won the right to host the games, after beating stiff competition from the Canadian city of Hamilton. Expectations were high as this is the first time India will host the event, and is only the third developing country to do so after Jamaica in 1966 and Malaysia in 1998.

The games, scheduled to be held principally at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in October next year, are expected tocost US$1.6 billion, with infrastructure preparations that include the construction of five new stadiums and a games village.

An indoor stadium is being built at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for weightlifting, at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex for wrestling, at Siri Fort for badminton and squash, at the Yamuna Complex for table tennis. The world-class games village, being built at cost of $40 million, will accommodate athletes and officials from 20 sports disciplines from 25 countries.

However, while the plans are theoretically in place, factors such as the global economic slowdown, the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks and a lack of coordination among various urban development authorities have combined to throw numerous games-linked projects in doubt.

To make matters worse, a startling revelation this week by Sitaram Yechury, head of the committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture - which was set up last year to probe the progress of the games' preparation - has thrown up serious doubts about the city's capability to prepare adequate accommodation and security for the competition.

The committee's report, entitled "Development of Tourism Infrastructure and Amenities for Commonwealth games 2010", said that as the December 31 deadline for handing stadia over to the organizing committee swiftly approaches, many projects are yet to be initiated, let alone completed. The report said that despite there being sufficient funds available, the Sheila Dixit government in Delhi did not submit any infrastructure proposals until November 2008.

The 31-member committee has also questioned the capacity of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to ready the necessary accommodation, renovate hospitality facilities or modernize tourism sites ahead of the games. The committee said that hotels in the capital and its surrounding cities have only 14,000 rooms available, though 30,000 will be needed for the expected influx of foreign and domestic visitors.

The committee has slammed the New Delhi authorities for a lack of coordination among the various agencies involved in building games-related projects. It said that despite a raft of civic and administrative agencies being responsible for the tasks, there is nobody to coordinate the agencies involved. It said the confusion will lead to problems preparing roads, airports and electric supply, and that entertainment, parking and information centers will not be ready.

Even before the committee raised these inadequacies, global hotel investment service firm Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels (JLLH), had already highlighted Delhi's accommodation shortage. The firm said that the room shortfall had been caused by regulatory and financing impediments, and would likely create chaos.

"The pace of creation of additional hotel accommodation at 39 hotel sites, auctioned by the Delhi Development Authority since January 2006, is way behind schedule," said a senior Sports Ministry official. "Of the proposed 39 additional hotels, work is only going on at 19."

Compounding the problems is that due to the global economic slowdown, several private builders who took up hotel projects are facing severe funding problems. The fate of the games village is also under a cloud after the Dubai-based developer contracted to build it, Emaar MGF, approached the DDA for a financial bailout.

The government earlier granted Emaar MGF a nine-month deferral on the repayment of a $15.8 million loan from the State Bank of India, and no decision has been made on its request for additional funds.

Apart from infrastructure bottlenecks, the locations for the games' main venues are also in doubt. Environmental cases are pending over the allegedly illegal felling of more than 1,000 trees needed for the area where squash and basketball courts and the games village on the Yamuna River floodplain will be built.

An environmental assessment found that clearing the land could cause serious flooding and affect Delhi's already meager water supply. In view of the magnitude of the problem, the Supreme Court has ordered a re-assessment of the plans.

"Just because you're hosting world-class games, it doesn't mean that you can wreck the city's environment," said environmental activist Kiran Mansukhani. "If due attention isn't given to Delhi's ecology during the preparations for the games, their fallout could be catastrophic. In their hurry to host the games, the planners have failed to present a holistic vision of what Delhi would be like after them."

This is not the first time the Delhi government has faced flak over its preparation for the games. Last year, during an appraisal survey of the venues, the Commonwealth games Federation (CGF) expressed concern over the slow pace of work. The CDF was so upset that it hinted that Delhi might even lose the bid to host the games if it did not improve its performance.

The CGF will do two subsequent reviews to check the progress of the preparations, one in August and another in March 2010. The latter review represents the absolute cut-off point, though there is no precedent of the games being moved at this late stage.

After the CGF's harsh assessment, Suresh Kalmadi, the president of the Indian Olympic Association, scrambled to assure the federation that games venues would be completed by the deadline. "New Delhi's Commonwealth games are happening, let there be no doubt about that," insisted Kalmadi at the time.

Apart from other delays, the largest infrastructure upgrade project that was to be synchronized with the games - the modernization of the dilapidated New Delhi Railway Station - is also off track.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad had promised to complete the modernization of the capital's main train station by October 2010, but the project has run into a number of delays, including the lack of a traffic clearance from the DDA. Experts say this will hold up the project by at least six months and jeopardize any chance of it being ready before the games.

The problems are disappointing as one of the primary reasons India gave for hosting the competition was matching its arch-rival China's efforts in making a success of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. Another reason was the transformation of the capital's existing infrastructure, and to generate income, as the new projects should have benefited domestic real estate developers.

But experts have said that financial gains from hosting large sporting evens are notoriously hard to predict, particularly given the current volatility of the world markets - Montreal will this year make the last payment on a $6.2 billion deficit 30 years after it hosted the Olympics Games.

Despite the barrage of criticism, the organizers of the games remain optimistic. Kalmadi has said that that he will provide world-class infrastructure on time, as has Union Sports Minister, MS Gill. "It's like organizing an Indian marriage. This is India and we do it like this," he said recently.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Railways throws 2010 road project off track
Wants Public Works Department To Seek Clearance On Land Again
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Commonwealth Games will go ahead in India: CGF
LONDON (AFP) – The Commonwealth Games will go ahead in India in 2010 despite heightened security concerns in the wake of the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in neighbouring Pakistan, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said Wednesday.

In a statement, Michael Hooper said the CGF was keeping the Indian authorities security arrangements under constant review with the help of Australian specialists Intelligent Risk (IR), and was confident preparations to ensure the maximum safety of athletes were on track.

"IR was in Delhi with me last month and access was provided to the highest level of security officials within Delhi and India to hear about the very latest work of the relevant authorities," Hooper said.

"IR?s report to the CGF is provided to the authorities after each visit. As part of our comprehensive security monitoring plan IR are scheduled to visit Delhi a further eight times between now and October 2010 to give us an independent overview on the work being undertaken in this important area.

"Security plans at all major events are subject to continual review and are amended as appropriate to reflect the threat assessment at a particular time.

"Everyone is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for the Commonwealth?s athletes."

Amid speculation the Games might be moved to Melbourne, Australia's Commonwealth Games Association chief, Perry Crosswhite, had said earlier on Wednesday that the Games should go ahead in Delhi.

Australian swimming legend champion Dawn Fraser has warned organisers they are risking "another Munich" by holding the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Image

General view as construction continues at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi on February 22, 2009 in Delhi, India. The Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium is to host the Archery, Cycling, Gymnastics and Wrestling competitions of the Commonwealth Games 2010. Renovation is scheduled to be completed December 31, 2009.

Image

Thyagraj sports complex

Image

A labourer walks at the Thyagraj sports complex, one of the venues for the Commonwealth Games 2010, in New Delhi February 24, 2009.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Commonwealth Games 2010 expected to increase tourism in India
According to ASSOCHAM, India will receive an estimated 10 million international foreign tourists in 2010. One million of these tourists are expected to be international and another four million are predicted to be domestic tourists. Amazingly, these figures are only for the period during the Commonwealth Games period in October.
Over the next two years, 200 large commercial aircraft will be introduced to the Indian Skies.
Sectors such as airlines, airports, hotels, and tour operators are going to require extra staff as is the process of modernising and revamping airports around the country.
Click
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Stan_Savljevic »

There is this nagging question of what do we stand to gain by hosting the CWG, and if we stand to gain at all....

In a different context, someone answers common questions about Chi2016 bid. Some lessons can be learned, hopefully.

Chicago 2016, the organization seeking to bring the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games to the Windy City, recently went public with details of its official bid to the International Olympic Committee. Sports economist and UI professor of recreation, sport and tourism Scott Tainsky discussed cost-benefit factors associated with Chicago’s proposal to host the games in an interview with News Bureau editor Melissa Mitchell.

Q. Chicago 2016’s bid projects a total cost to the city of $4.8 billion. Who actually picks up that tab, and how is the expenditure expected to translate in terms of an economic return to the city?

A. The city bears the brunt of the upfront costs, although it has secured hundreds of significant pledges from prominent members of the private sector. So far, there seems to be overwhelming support from Chicagoans of the $4.8 billion estimate, but caution is in order – the Beijing games cost China over $40 billion and the final tally in Athens was close to four times the original $2.4 billion estimate. We always tell our students to consider the source; here, the source is politicians and big business – who stand to gain politically and financially from the prestige of winning an Olympic bid. As far as returns, there’s a belief that the games can generate $3.8 billion in book revenues, but most have scoffed at that number.

Q. What about the State of Illinois? Does it stand to gain as well?

A. Not just Illinois, but Indiana and Wisconsin, too. It’s already been decided that Madison, Wis., will serve as the hub for cycling, and it’s not out of the question that facilities on the University of Notre Dame campus may host some events. Let’s also consider that fans may fly into the Gary, Ind., or Milwaukee airports and perhaps find hotel accommodations outside of Chicago.

Q. Apart from the promise of boosting the local economy, are there other, more intangible benefits for cities that host Olympic Games?

A. That’s the hope. Based on previous Olympics and comparable mega-events, I would not anticipate that the direct receipts will cover the costs. The expectation is that there are additional long-term benefits associated with being an Olympic host city. The organizing committee looks at the worldwide telecast as a 16-day infomercial for the region and, as an economist and taxpayer in the state of Illinois, I hope they already have calculated the value of every panoramic shot of the lakefront and skyline and determined that the advertising benefits outweigh the costs. It’s important to note that their hopes are only that – it’s been 13 years since the Atlanta games and I’m not so sure they launched Atlanta into the upper-echelon of world cities. Plus, not to paint such a bleak picture, but whereas there’s some cachet to skiing the Olympic mountain that may triple (or more) the cost of a lift ticket, no such parallel exists for the summer games.

Q. Are there any possible down sides to hosting the games?

A. Certainly. For starters, every dollar invested in the games is money not spent on clearing trash from the streets. Beyond the direct opportunity costs, Olympic fans are notoriously low spenders outside of the costs of attendance. After spending all day going from match to match, they’d rather retire to their hotel rooms than go to a bar, restaurant or the host city’s unique attractions, so most spill-over benefits projections are overly optimistic.

Q. While short-term gains are more obvious, what about long-lasting results of the infrastructure. For instance, when Chicago hosted the 1893 World’s Fair, the event literally changed the face of the city. Does a similar potential exist in this case? {This is the most relevant for us in India, because we are not like Atlanta. We are building things up slowly.}

A. Here, the organizing committee made really sensible choices. For instance, Chicago doesn’t have an appropriate Olympic Stadium, but it also doesn’t have the need for another gigantic outdoor stadium, so the new construction is only a temporary structure that will be converted to a smaller, more practical permanent one after the games. Also, with the exception of the lakefront Olympic Village, the lasting changes in infrastructure are focused on the Washington Park and Woodlawn communities, ones where these structures can be instrumental in increasing real estate values in underappreciated parts of the city.

Q. Much media attention has focused on Lake Michigan as Chicago’s ace card for winning the nod to host. Do you think the lake and adjoining lakefront area will indeed help boost the city’s chance winning the bid?

A. When you’re up against Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo, lakefront is more of a seven of clubs than an ace. Style points matter, but in my opinion, the bid will be won by the city that can safeguard the games from politics. As much as we fans love the moments like Jesse Owens, an African-American, winning four gold medals in 1936 with Hitler in attendance or Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ 1968 black-gloved salute, the IOC would rather keep political headlines to a minimum. The IOC simply cannot have a repeat of the boycotted games in Moscow 1980 or Los Angeles 1984. Beijing 2008 was a risk; this time, it’s safety first. There’s no trump card, but Chicago has a reasonable shot at hearing its name called on October 2.

http://illinois.edu/pc/article/72/22286

And certainly the goras will throw in their safety BS at India given the state of affairs in our neighborhood. But they cant contain an elephant for way too long....

Expanding the scope of this thread, we may want to figure whats the best time to bid for an OG in India -- 2020 or 2024 or the costs are just too much for us in the near future. Certainly, we have hosted AG in 51 and 82 when things mattered even more, so the option for "not in the immediate future" seems too pessimistic to me.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Here is something that may sound interesting

This person named Dr Holger Preuss who is a professor at a German university called Johannes Gutenberg has done some good research in effects of hosting maor sporting event. In following snippet he gives solutions to common problems and make balance between hosting such major events and hassles faced thereafter.
4.1.1 Infrastructure
Infrastructure obviously means the sport infrastructure for competition and training, but also the general infrastructure of a city such as airports, roads, telecommunication, hotels, housings (athletes, media and officials), entertainment facilities, fair grounds, parks, etc. All infrastructure left after an event should fit into the city’s development. Today temporary constructions can avoid negative legacies such as oversized and extraneous facilities. Examples are a movable velodrome (Olympics, Atlanta 1996), a temporary 50m indoor pool in a fair hall (FINA World Cup, Fukuoka 2001) or an athletic stadium transformed into a football stadium (Commonwealth Games, Manchester 2002). Szymanski (2002) supports this idea. He claims that all spending should be directed at the most productive activities (p. 3).

4.1.2 Knowledge, Skill-development and Education
The host population gains knowledge and skills from staging a major sporting event. Employees and volunteers achieve skills and knowledge in event organization, human resource management, security, hospitality, service, etc. Spectators and volunteers learn to use public transportation and are acquainted with environmental projects. They also gain greater knowledge about the history of their city and country, culture and other issues.

4.1.3 Image
Major sporting events have tremendous symbolic significance and form, they reposition or solidify the image of a city, region and country. Usually events create a positive imagery and the city and politicians can “bask in [its] reflected glory” (Snyder, Lassegard & Ford, 1986). {Politicians here are already good at it :x }On the other hand, the worldwide exposure of the event, the host city and its culture depends on the media representatives and cannot be entirely controlled by the organisers (Preuß & Messing, 2002). Negative incidences such as a bomb attack, hooligans, organizational shortcomings or just bad weather also influence the image of the host. Not only negative incidents, but also general bad attributes can be transported through a mega event to millions of potential visitors, customers or business partners. Exaggerated nationalism or unfair spectator behaviour spoils hospitality, and poverty and crime create doubts about a potential tourism destination.

4.1.4 Emotions
Mega sport events give politicians a common vision to gain international prestige, citizens are emotionally involved and private industry is inspired to welcome an extraordinary and worldwide event. The pride of hosting such an event creates local identification, vision and motivation. An example is the Olympic Games in Seoul 1988 which created a national perspective, a feeling of vitality, participation, recognition, and an international perception of being modern and technologically up-to-date (Denis, Dischereit, Song, & Werning, 1988, p. 229). The Chinese are keen to demonstrate their increasing economic importance through the Olympics in 2008 (Lin, 2004).

Private industry is stimulated by the expected influx of money and a potential positive post-event legacy. This may change the readiness to invest instead of saving (Thurow, 2004).

The announcement of the event leads to a programme of anticipatory investment. Directly, or indirectly it is the catalyst for a number of ‘piggy-back’ events (which in turn promote further investment). And during the event itself, there is a boost to local demand. While all of these boost the local economy in the short-term, the key to any longer-term effects lies in whether and how these leave a permanent legacy in the infrastructure, or in industry competencies (Swann, 2001, pp. 2–3).

There are several evidences from Olympic Games that these anticipatory investments have taken place. Critically seen, some have created oversupply (Preuss, 2004; Teigland, 1996).

Negative emotions may also be caused if new event facilities use space of former workers’ areas. Then citizens living there suffer from expropriation and relocation, but also from gentrification of their area, which leads to a loss of their social environment (Garcia, 1993, p. 260; Cox, Darcy & Bounds, 1994, p. 75; Lenskyj, 1996, p. 395; Preuss, 2006).

4.1.5 Networks
International sport federations, media, politics, etc., need to cooperate in order to stage an event successfully. Their interaction creates networks. In general events improve political networks, such as close partnership with the central government. In particular the greater knowledge of sport, networks between politicians and sport federations and the image of being a sport city increase the affiliation to sport. Grassroots coaching programs, facilities for schools, sport for all, and additional sport events may be the result.

4.1.6 Culture
Major sporting events produce cultural ideas, cultural identity and cultural products. Opening ceremonies especially include a cultural-artistic aspect which is a condensed display of the host country’s culture. A positive cultural image, increased awareness, new infrastructure and additional tourist products, combined with the soft factor of better service quality have a great potential to increase tourism in the long-term (Solberg & Preuss, 2006). Barcelona for instance used the Olympics to transform its infrastructure to become a “cultural city” (Garcia, 1993). The cultural presentation educates the host population and forces them to address their history. For example, there was increased awareness of aboriginal history in Australia during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and increased understanding of Mormon traditions in the USA during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games. However, it is critical that the cultural awareness betters the situation of these minorities. Another example is “The Spirit of Friendship Festival”, which was launched for the Commonwealth Games 2002 and aimed to celebrate the Commonwealth, thus leaving a cultural legacy. “It was a nationwide programme [and was …] set out to communicate the visual and performing arts and cultural traditions of countries in the Commonwealth” (Faber Maunsell 2004, p. 24).
This article mainly focused on OG but still it applies to CWG. Hopefully OC and DDA are keeping these things in mind else would be such a waste of resources.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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DU hostel students may have to vacate rooms during CW Games
NEW DELHI: Students residing in Delhi University hostels might be asked to pack their bags and vacate their rooms for 15 days to accommodate tourists during the Commonwealth Games next year in the national capital. In view of the acute shortage of rooms required to accommodate the one lakh tourists expected during the prestigious sports event, the government is desperately pulling out all its resources to meet the demand and looking at all options.
"Yes, we have been asked by the Tourism ministry to provide guest and hostel rooms of the university for a fortnight to the visitors during the sports event.
We are open to the idea and give all possible help as the event is associated with national prestige," said Delhi University Vice Chancellor Deepak Pental.
As per a proposal, the hostels could be upgraded for use during the games which will be held from October 3 to October 14 next year. "It would benefit the university as well thereafter," Pental added. The government also plans to use open spaces in such establishments as camping sites for the players.
There are around 15 hostels with around 4000-5000 rooms in University campus and Delhi colleges. Most of them are being deemed as fit to host tourists and where required, appropriate renovation will be carried out.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by vina »

Haven't the Dilli billi's stolen enough from the rest of the country. WTF do we need this jamboree which is of no use whatsoever and that too in favor of a defunct farce of a thing called "common wealth" for something that is purely notional, neither "common" and really no "wealth".

Time to can this rubbish, tell the goras looking for a free party to just pack up and go home and say sorry boys, no free stuff here , stop the transfer of tax rupees to Dilli, use the money saved to cut the fiscal deficit.

Why should any honest Abdul who pays 14% or so for a motorcycle loan be made to foot the bill for this dill billi thievery/jamboree by way of higher interest rates and taxes? Beats me.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Stan_Savljevic »

^^ Vina saar, I have followed your loathe for CWG/OG etc. But there has been a post talking about the impact of CWG on the economy. It would be good if you could trash it.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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People's role sought in 2010 Games warm-up
NEW DELHI: Creating world-class infrastructure in the capital before the Commonwealth Games is just half the job done. People involvement in the
Games is equally important, something that is not happening in Delhi yet. Representatives from the industry and government stressed on the need for community participation in organising the Games at a discussion organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in the capital on Saturday.

"There is no excitement in Delhiites about the 2010 games. It is almost like this is being imposed on them. If the private sector gets involved in the planning process and involves the community, people will automatically get excited,'' said Kulvinder Singh, DCP (Gurgaon), Haryana Police. He added that roles of tour guides, medical assistants and language interpreters can be taken on by volunteers.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Delhi govt plans Tourist Safety Act
NEW DELHI: In a bid to protect tourists from being fleeced and harassed, Delhi government is mulling a proposal to legally empower them by enacting
a Tourist Safety Act in the national capital.

"The draft of the proposed Delhi Tourists Safety Act is being fine-tuned to ensure that all aspects related to tourists' safety in the city are covered by it," a senior official in the state tourism department said.

He said the proposal is at a very nascent stage and is being envisaged to ensure safety of domestic and foreign tourists, visiting the national capital.

"Such a law is necessary as Delhi is ranked one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world. Moreover, it is relevant in view of the Commonwealth Games next year when around 10,000 foreigners besides 10,000 sportsmen and women are expected to throng the city," he said.

Among several proposals being considered in the draft is the registration of tour operators to prevent fleecing and misbehaviour with the tourists. Fine and punishment against those found guilty is also under consideration.
This menace is just not limited to Delhi. Hopefully law is drafted and implemented successfully and then applied to all major tourist destinations across the country. Atleast CWG for now has started to yield things positively.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Worried Australia could pull out of 2010 Games
MELBOURNE: In what threatens to put a question mark over next year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, a top Australian sports body chief has said his
country could withdraw from the event if its security concerns are not addressed. Australia had topped the medals tally in the 2006 Games with 84 golds and plans to send 550 athletes to New Delhi, which would make it the largest contingent.

Hooper, who is also an executive board member of the 2010 Games, added, "There's more than 18 months to go and it would be foolish to say anything now. It's is an evolving situation. I can say now that India is delivering on its promises of providing appropriate security measures." He said there should be no problems about teams coming with their own security personnel. "It has happened in the past," Hooper, who is from New Zealand, said.

Crosswhite represented Australia in basketball in three Olympics, including the 1972 Munich Games when terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches. He said he would understand if an Australian athlete withdrew from the Games due to security concerns.

...
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

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Govt sanctions Rs 80 crore for CWG security
"A total of Rs 78.26 crore has been sanctioned to Delhi Police to procure additional security equipment like X-ray scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand Held Metal Detectors, vehicles, communication equipment, specifically for Commonwealth Games 2010," a home ministry official said.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Stan_Savljevic »

Gaurav, that Oz pulling out is ToI and Perry Crosswhite bs. Melbourne is the alternate location for CWG 2010 :roll:. The bugger who is mouthing that security pullout pissbomb has a conflict of interest with Dilli hosting it. For one, the goras are very fearful that their long held sacred cocoon is coming to the land of the unwashed. Nothing better than giving all the Shane Warne lookalikes the famous Dilli billi balli balle belly and ask them to take the next SQ or Cathay out to where they belong.

For two, Oz's 2018 CWG bid is in jeopardy (see below) with its other bid for the soccer world cup over the same time-frame. Melbourne hosted the 2006 CWG. 2014 is in Glasgow, goraland and the Oz cant cancel it even if the pakis strike right there. It is returning to Scotland after the 1986 Edinburgh games. 2018 is out if they want the soccer world cup, the only way they can have the cake and eat it too is if they pull out of 2010 Dilli. So all the tamasha that goes on in the background.

CWG 2010 better be held in Dilli even if war clouds lurk nearby... Or else, India better boycott all further CWG and withdraw from the CW. If a country of 1b cannot host the CWG, even after ganja-land Kingston and racist Kuala Lumpur can, then good riddance to the CW.... And let all the kiyanahis strut around before the Madre (or will it be Padre) Superiere and seek their cut from the Melbourne profits. No more IPL for the assies too. Yes, you heard it here first. The assies wanna make cash, they better cower their undies and stop whining like they did in Kuala Lumpur 1998.

Guys, roll up. CWG 2010 coming to India is an economic boost in these times of need, unless someone can prove so otherwise. Esp in our country where infra building is tardy, this is just the necessary excuse to roll out some of the useful stuff. You may hate the Dilli billis and the bills that they send to you by means of tax dues, but its the same whether its held in Dilli or Bengalooru or Mumbai. Its all one and the same... Go CWG 2010 in Dilli.
-----------------
From wiki, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Commo ... n_Jeopardy

A story in the Australia Newspaper "The Age" written by Dan Silkstone Date December 6th is Titled "Bid derailed by plans for World Cup" The article states that " After seeking government backing for the idea, Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite said yesterday he had been informed that the Rudd Government would not lend its support because it was committed to backing soccer's campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. "We had been considering a bid but it is on hold now because we didn't get the support of the Federal Government because of their commitment to the 2018 World Cup bid," Crosswhite said.

The ACGA has now told the Queensland and Western Australian governments to lobby Canberra directly if they wish to have the decision overturned. On December 10th 2008 Jacquelin Magnay of the Australia Newspaper 'The Age' wrote the story of 46 million dollars of bid funding by the Federal Government of Australia for the 2018 bid committee for the Fifa World Cup of Soccer [17] With the Funding the Australian Fifa Bid becomes more of a Reality.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Stan_Savljevic »

Don't cry hypothetical wolf, says Gill to CWG officials

New Delhi (PTI): Sports Minister M S Gill on Monday strongly reacted to the security concerns raised by some participating nations of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, saying the officials must refrain from raising "hypothetical" issues. "I wish Commonwealth Games officials would not raise hypothetical concerns and fears, a full year and half before the Games," he said in a statement. "India has the capability, and the system, to deliver on this. I would suggest to responsible people, everywhere, not to cry hypothetical wolf, every now and then," he said.

Mr. Gill's statement came a day after Australian Commonwealth Games Association Chief Executive Perry Crosswhite's comments in the aftermath of recent terror attacks on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore that his nation could pull out of the quadrennial event if the security issue was not addressed properly. The Sports Minister has clarified that security for the Delhi Games has been receiving constant attention and all relevant factors have been kept in mind in planning to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Stan_Savljevic I am sure that aussies are crying in the name of security concerns and this Crosswhite is ranting his rant as you proved in previous posts.

Sticking to agenda of this thread found this research paper put up by National Institute of Urban Affairs.There are quite good points made out differentiating hosting of CWG for developed and developing nations. For developed nations expenditure to host CWG kind of games is much less compared to developing ones. Moreover, the sports infrastructure is never under-utilized compared to developing nations. But atleast people in Dilli can hope for continous water and electricity supply.
The 1982 Asiad almost didn’t take place at all. Though India had won the bid to host the games in 1976, by 1980 no work had even started and the Games surely looked doomed. There had been a change of government in-between and a lot of political turmoil had plagued the country in those years. In 1980, Indira Gandhi was back in power, and she along with her son Rajiv Gandhi, made it her personal mission to pull off a successful games. The city was to be prepared to host the largest event it had ever experienced, along with build numerous stadiums, flyovers, hotels and the Games Village in a span of 20 months. That the Asian Games Special Organising Committee (SOC) was able to pull it off is commendable, though there were numerous shortcomings as well. Buildings like the player’s building and the roof of the Talkatora swimming pool weren’t completed on time, development was haphazard and short sighted, and there was little importance given to planning norms and regulations.

There is little information pertaining to the Asian Games available in the public domain, and the little that does remain is scattered among the tens of government organisations that dealt with the event. It is therefore also nearly impossible to get an accurate picture of the total expenditure on the games, though estimates seem to place it at between 7-10,000 million rupees, (Lin, S. G. and Patnaik, N. 1982) a sum a nation as poor as India could hardly afford. At the same time, revenues were almost negligible. The SOC made about 60 million rupees through ticket sales, donations and franchising revenue, a sum not even enough to cover the operational costs of 150 million.Foreign tourists, who were supposed to enter the city in the thousands, never materialised. Only an estimated 200 arrived :roll: , leaving hotels and restaurants empty.

....

Since 2003, when India won the bid to host the games, various agencies and government bodies have been hard at work making plans for the upcoming event. The over arching theme seems to be to make Delhi a ‘world class’ city by 2010. This of course is a task easier said than done in a city of nearly 15 million people, growing at a phenomenal pace, and largely in a haphazard manner. Urban renewal or regeneration has been a theme in many such events in the past and appears an important one in the 2010 games as well.
This is because it gives an opportunity to improve the infrastructure and appearance of the host city, and also gives global media exposure meaning that the image of a city can be transformed in the eyes of viewers. This was certainly true of Barcelona, which successfully rid itself of its traditional manufacturing city image when hosting the 1992 Olympics (Brown, A and Massey, J. 2001). Manchester used the 2002 Commonwealth games as a tool to revive East Manchester, formerly an industrial area that had been suffering low growth and degradation.7 The urban landscape Delhi too, is set to change dramatically with many infrastructure projects being pushed through in time for 2010.

In Delhi’s bid for the games, it states that through the games, the city wishes to, among other things:

1. Stimulate economic growth and development.
2. Improve city infrastructure.

Thus two of the professed aims of the games are to improve the welfare of the citizens of the city through improving facilities and promoting investment in the city. The focus area of the games this time is going to be East Delhi, across the yamuna, where the games village and some of the venues are to be located. Residents of the area are hoping for a similar transformation as the one South Delhi experienced in the run up to the 1982 games. Infrastructure investments have already increased dramatically in the region with a new bridge being built at Wazirabad, the metro phase 2 being constructed, and numerous flyovers and roads in the pipeline. There are indeed ambitious plans afloat ranging from improving street furniture to setting up more power stations before the 2010 deadline.

The work ahead of the games can be broadly grouped into the following:

1. New Stadiums and renovation of existing stadiums
2. Games Village.
3. Transport sector.
4. Urban infrastructure like water and electricity.
5. Efforts to make Delhi ‘world-class’.
http://www.niua.org/Publications/workin ... inayak.pdf
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

India says Commonwealth Games 'safe'
The decision to move cricket's Indian Premier League out of the country due to security concerns will not affect the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a top sports official said on Monday.

"We are not worried about security for the Games," Indian Olympic Association secretary general Randhir Singh told reporters.

"Moving the IPL out of India does not reflect any security worries as far as other sports events are concerned, especially the Commonwealth Games, which we will host in New Delhi.

"The government has said it did not want to burden security forces at the time of the elections. There will be no such issues for the Games next year."

Indian cricket chiefs on Sunday decided to relocate this year's IPL to another country because the government says security forces need to be focused on the general elections scheduled for April-May.

The venue for the glitzy Twenty20 tournament from April 10 to May 24 is expected to be unveiled later on Monday.

Security concerns are high in India after the militant attacks in Mumbai in November and on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan earlier this month.

The Commonwealth Games are due to be held in the Indian capital from October 3-14 next year.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Dilbu »

Chankian GOI has scored self goal by shifting IPL out of India. CWG will also be lost due to 'sekoority konserns'. If you cannot defend yourself then atleast refrain from handing over the weapon to your enemy. Well we are like this onlee. :roll:
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Moving IPL due to security concerns is an extreme state of cowardness exhibited by GoI. Wonder if government cant provide security to handful of phoren teams then how will it vouch for security of thousands of CWG participants.

Gradually we are moving towards nation which is so called "largest democracy" but their citizens cant freely roam fearing bomb explosion on independece day, authorities dont have enough power to hold Cricket carnival. India is truly becoming country of great contrast where MoD can procure MRCA at cost of billions but home ministry is completely clueless in providing safety to people.

IMO this "largest democracy" is now toothless tiger on global front. Its time for people to wakeup and boycott all the national celebrations including this IPL, Worldcup, CWG and Republic day parade until GoI can provide basic rights of safety and security.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by sum »

Chances of CWG being held in India looking bleaker by the day...

So, seems like a moot point discussing issues faced if the event itself is uncertain...btw, the biggest issue is : WEAK AND SCARED GOVT
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Will air Games in high-definition format, claims DD
New Delhi Says technology is being upgraded

Amid much speculation regarding the airing of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the high-definition (HD) format, Doordarshan, the host broadcaster of the Games, has claimed that it is under modernisation and will be ready before the Games to relay its signals in the upgraded format.

Talking to Newsline, DD Chief Engineer R R Prasad said: “The existing technology at Prasar Bharati is being upgraded. DD is also trying to put at least one high-definition (HD) channel on its Direct to Home service to enable screening of the Games.”

The Board of Directors of Prasar Bharati has, meanwhile, also asked its Chief Executive Office B S Lalli to assess whether the technology at DD can be revamped within the existing funds of around Rs 460 crore, allocated to it by the government for the Games.

The national broadcaster currently uses analog-based transmitters for standard-definition (SD) television broadcast. The board has now sought a report detailing the costs for transforming the SD platform to the technologically advanced HD format.

According to Prasar Bharati officials, the Broadcast Engineers Corporation India Limited has already been engaged to determine the cost of upgrading the transmission facility.

Lalli said the project of establishing HD studios in Delhi and Mumbai was under way too. Similar studios will also come up in Chennai and Kolkata before the Games.

HDTV is a digital broadcasting system that has higher resolution picture and superior sound quality, compared to that in the SD format. According to experts, however, the cost of transmission in the HDTV format is almost 30 per cent higher.

“A few channels have begun filming programmes in the HD format, but their broadcast and reception are still done in the SD format,” said a DD official. Also, while HD-enabled TV sets will be required for clear and sharp images, there is no policy yet to enable the production of such sets in India. Manufactured abroad, the cost of HD-enabled TV sets is much higher.

The Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held from October 3 to 14 in 2010, and the rules specify that DD must produce an international feed in the HD format.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Large Games team to leave thongs behind
AUSTRALIA will send its largest team to next year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi and preparations are underway to keep them safe and healthy. Among them is a first for Australian teams abroad: No thongs.

This weekend, an Australian delegation will travel to Delhi to inspect hospitals and medical facilities, monitor the progress of games venues and seek advice about the security situation.

Head team doctor Peter Harcourt will travel with the group as he finalises plans for food, disease and hygiene issues that athletes will face. Athletes will be advised not to wear open-toed shoes, such as thongs or sandals, around the city — a practice common at recent Commonwealth and Olympic Games — because of the risk of human sewage causing illness or infection.

Officials will also caution athletes about eating from street vendors. "Those things we are going to be pretty strong on," Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite said.

An inoculation program is planned and the medical team will be the largest sent to a Commonwealth Games.

As with the Beijing Olympics, air quality is a concern. The games will be held in October, characterised by hot nights and cooler days. "With that kind of temperature inversion you can get some pollution," he said.

Acclimatisation is another challenge. With Indian organisers battling to be ready for the Games, test events will be fewer. Crosswhite said athletes would prepare in similar conditions with events in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

Security continues to be a major concern. Team bosses met Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials last night and will be briefed on security by their Indian hosts.

"The concern is something like in Mumbai, where you get outsiders coming in," Crosswhite said, in reference to the terrorist attacks on luxury hotels last November. Delhi is closer to the Pakistani border than Mumbai.

Pakistan is a Commonwealth nation and is expected to compete. Australia will send a team of more than 430 athletes.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Planning For Employing Israelis Security Agencies for 2010 Commonwealth Games
Unshackling itself from a security plan confined to government agencies, the Organizing Committee of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi is actively pursuing the idea of involving international private security professionals, even reaching out to the Israelis.

“With over a dozen main venues and many other training venues to guard, that too with multi-layered security, the task of securing the Games would be enormous. While the Home Ministry and Delhi Police are handling overall security, the need to rope in private players has now been acknowledged,” an official of the Organizing Committee told The Indian Express.

The International Security and Defense Systems (ISDS), an Israeli security firm, has already initiated talks with the Government, offering its services for the Games. Set up by former operatives of the Mossad and Israel Defense Forces, the ISDS has been involved in securing the Olympics in Barcelona, Sydney, Athens and Beijing.

“The Games are the face of your society. And the threat is very serious, especially after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. India is surrounded by a lot of enemies and Pakistan and Afghanistan will be in a terrible situation next year,” says Leo Gleser, president of ISDS who delivered a talk today on “Games Security” at a conference on Counter Terror & Security Solutions for India.

He said threats to the Games ranged from aircraft as WMDs to terrorists from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by negi »

Nice thread gaurav ; fwiw going by the exit polls and even BRF opinion the the biggest challenge to hosting these games is now 'GOI' itslef i.e. in case of a fractured mandate it goes without saying that most of the Govt. machinery would be pre-occupied with post-poll negotiations and in the worst case scenario preparing for yet another General election. :eek: :rotfl:
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Stan_Savljevic »

negi wrote: fwiw going by the exit polls and even BRF opinion the the biggest challenge to hosting these games is now 'GOI' itslef
It is not GoI nor the babus {in a blanket attack}, but it is the UPA, the congress, Sharad Pawar and MK Narayanan where the blame should fall. SP and MKN for blindly following the drunken elephant. If I can conjecture this much, the bakis and their minions challenged the UPA and the UPA instead of taking on the challenge head-on, threw the white flag of surrender. The calculation seems to be "no more attacks, even if we sit and sip kanji."

That white flag is the public cannon-fodder P Chidambaram and MS Gill show, orchestrated behind the scenes by Sonia Maino. In this melee, they have the gall to blame Lalit Modi and IPL. But for folks like LM, AK Khanna of AITA, the ad-hoc log, Prakash Padukone, Mittal group etc., the situation would have been far-dire. Rightly or wrongly, Shri MKN is called Nero-yanan. If not for nothing, the congress should be thrown out just for throwing the Indian economic eco-system upside down.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Image
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Alas! Work Started at Siri Fort Sports Complex
For The Sake of India’s Prestige in the World Community SC Okays complex at Siri Fort

The Supreme Court on Monday removed all hurdles for the construction of the basketball and squash facilities at Siri Fort area in South Delhi for the 2010 Commonwealth Games saying it did not want India to be viewed by the world community as unfit for the prestigious sporting event.

Keeping open for adjudication in future the alleged environmental transgression by the DDA, which cut down as many as 891 trees to clear the area for the construction of the sports facilities, the SC said if any more trees were to be cut, it has to be done in consultation with the central empowered committee (CEC).

What appeared to weigh additionally with the special forest bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and justices Arijit Pasayat and S H Kapadia were the recent shifting of IPL T20 tournament from India to South Africa followed by Australian pullout from Davis Cup in Chennai. {Hope this gives some brain to Oz morons}

‘‘We do not want people to say India is unsafe for Commonwealth Games. We will deal with the environmental concerns after the Games are over,’’ the bench said much to the relief of additional solicitor general Amarendra Saran, who appeared for DDA. Amicus curiae ADN Rao and counsel M L Lahoty pointed out to SC that both the CEC report and an independent assessment of the facilities by town planner Charles Correa had termed the cutting down of a large number of fullgrown trees as mindless and that DDA could have selected an alternative site.
http://2010commonwealthgamesindia.blogspot.com/
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Ameet »

We have to be very careful about 2010 CWG security: Kalmadi

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) The turmoil prevailing in the neighbouring countries has made it necessary for India to be extremely careful about the security arrangements for next year's Commonwwealth Games, according to Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi.
"We have to be very careful about the security. There would be a general assembly of all the Commonwealth countries, who would be meeting in Delhi in October this year. We would have to satisfy them about the security arrangments," Kalmadi told reporters here today.

"We have the Governor of Delhi, who is heading the security aspects. We also have the Commonwealth Federation sending us reports and we are also sending them monthly updates about the security, so it is one of the important aspects of the game.

Kalmadi said that the first task for the organisers would be to allay the security concerns of the partipating countries.

"With security becoming an issue in the neighbouring countries, it is important for us to comfort them. We will put up a Beijing-like security bandobust in Delhi.

"We will put the best foot forward in October and make the right projection so as to satisty the 71 countries who would be coming for the general assembly meeting," he said. PTI
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Stan_Savljevic »

Delhi to show its 'green face' for Commonwealth Games
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holn ... 210325.htm
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

2010 games: Comprehensive plan mapping to ensure smooth traffic

...

For starters, the extreme right lane on all roads leading to the Games Village in East Delhi, 11 Games venues and airport will be reserved for Games traffic. The lane will be painted and marked `Games Lane' at regular intervals so that it is easily identifiable. Other vehicles entering the lane will be heavily prosecuted and only labelled vehicles will be allowed to use the passage.

For better enforcement, this entire road network will be Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS) enabled. These automated signals assess the volume of traffic in an identified area and adjust the signal cycles at intersections accordingly. Modern enforcement devices like cameras for challans and VMS boards will also be put up on all the corridors for better enforcement of laws and dissemination of road user information.

...

Spectators going to watch the events will not be allowed to use the Games lanes. As the rest of the roads are expected to be congested, people will be encouraged to use modes of public transport like Delhi Metro and buses, which would have spread their networks across the city by then. Integrated tickets for Games venues and Delhi Metro also being looked at.

The government is also reportedly planning to schedule holidays on the days of opening and closing ceremonies to bring down traffic volumes. Other events like festivals or fairs which cause a congregation of people in a specific area will not be allowed during the period. Thousands of volunteers are being roped in to guide pedestrians near venues and parking lots. They will not be involved in active traffic management.
Looks like Delhites traffic sense and patience will be definitely on test during this period. Was thinking of how about giving away metro and bus tickets at concession rates whilst CWG.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by mmasand »

Delhi could use RFID technology to automatically turn traffic lights green when any vehicles related to CWG are within a few metres of the lights.To discourage people bringing their own card to the games,probably levying a heavy charge for parking at these venues wouldn't be such a bad idea!Maybe they can even provide free transport/subsidized to those commuting to the games as an incentive. whats say?
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Indian hotel industry gears up for Cwealth
We can't quantify the amount of losses we made last year but I think the Commonwealth games will certainly give a major boost to the hotel industry," says Bharat Bhushan, Director, Hotel Association of India (HAI). Mumbai terror attack and the economic slowndown obviously had an impact but 2010 Games will be a catalyst for a boom in the tourism sector, he adds.
IMO, many phoren visitors would have planned spending few days or weeks pre and post CWG.
Obviously, not limited to Delhi, favorite tourist destinations of Jaiselmer and perhaps Kerala etc will feel surge.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

Sports Minister Sets His Priorities From CWG to hockey
For Sports Minister M.S. Gill, Thursday was not his first day in office but a continuation after a brief vacation. From the Commonwealth Games to forming an unified hockey body, Gill will have a busy time ahead as he took charge for his second stint in office.

This time Gill has more powers as a cabinet minister in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s new team.

Gill is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead and knows that there isn’t much time on hand. The venues of the Commonwealth Games, to be held here Oct 3-14, 2010 are yet to be finished. Adding to this, hockey’s world body FIH has already asked India to quickly form a democratic body to run the sport, failing to which India may lose the 2010 men’s World Cup scheduled in March.

The sports minister said finishing the construction work of the seven venues for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and forming Hockey India, a unified body for both men and women players, will top his priorities.

“The construction cost for the 2010 Commonwealth Games has gone up to Rs. 24.6 billion from Rs.10 billion. The money has been sanctioned by the cabinet and is scheduled to be released in batches. I can assure you that all the venues, except the cycling velodrome and the Karni Singh Shooting Range will be completed by December. These two stadiums will be ready by February,” Gill said.
The former chief election commissioner also said the Commonwealth Games Co-ordination Committee is doing its best to meet the infrastructure deadline.


“We have been hammering out things irrespective of each other’s presence. The chief minister of Delhi Sheila Dixit has full faith in me. We know that if anything goes wrong everyone will be blamed,” said Gill.

Gill also assured that the hockey ad-hoc committee, which was set-up by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to run the game, will soon be replaced by Hockey India.

“I had a meeting with FIH president Leandro Negre, when he came to India earlier this month. We had long discussions with Negre and IOA president Suresh (Kalmadi). The FIH was impressed with the construction work at the National Stadium (World Cup venue). We are confident of hosting the World Cup,” he said.
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Stan_Savljevic »

Infra-building seems to have no oversight at all... Read ye, and wonder at what kinds of money folks are talking about....
The package envisages purchase of 333 flats in the CGV project instead of a loan. The price at which the flats will be bought is 13 per cent higher than what was recommended by an expert committee constituted by the government to decide the modalities of bailing out the Indian unit of Dubai-based Emaar. However, it is well below what Emaar was asking.

The DDA had decided to pay Rs 11,000 per sq ft for the apartments, against the expert committee's suggestion for Rs 9,382-9,720 per sq ft, it said in an e-mail. "Since the purchase of flats is the only viable option, it has been decided to purchase 333 flats for approximately Rs 700 crore at a price of Rs 11,000 per square feet, which is much below the rate being charged by Emaar MGF from the buyers in the open market."

The DDA had set up a price fixation committee in March this year to analyse the current market price of the apartments being developed in the project. "The DDA may finalise/negotiate the final price keeping in view its understanding or experience in the sector," its report concluded.
http://business.rediff.com/report/2009/ ... ailout.htm
Thats the tax-payers' money thats being given to a Dubai-based company. How much money get exchanged in this, god knows!

The background of all my fury:
The budget committee also approved the bailout package to the Emaar-MGF which is developing the Games Village project for the Commonwealth Games next year. In a major relief to real estate firm Emmar-MGF, which is developing the Games Village, the DDA on May 11 decided to invest over Rs 700 crore in the Games Village.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holn ... 071122.htm
Emaar MGF gets Rs 500-cr govt loan to complete Games village
11 May 2009 NEW DELHI: In a first ever financial bailout package for a real estate company, the central government has agreed to extend a loan of Rs 500 crore to Delhi-based realty firm Emaar MGF to help it complete the prestigious Commonwealth Games village on schedule. Delhi Development Authority (DDA), a government agency which had given out the contract to Emaar MGF to build the games village, will extend the loan. The government decided to give the loan after the realty firm expressed inability to complete the project in time due to financial strains. The Games are scheduled for October 2010 in the national Capital and the deadline to complete the project is April 2010. Construction has reached midway with less than one year remaining to complete the project.

“Emaar MGF had asked the DDA for a loan of Rs 800 crore for completion of the athlete village. But the government has decided to lend them only Rs 500 crore,” said a top official at the urban development ministry, which oversees the workings of DDA. The loan would carry an interest rate of 12-13% and will be backed by apartments in the residential project as collateral. The government had earlier rejected the realty firm’s proposal to buy 250 flats at the village, located on the bank of Yamuna in east Delhi.

Over four months ago, Emaar MGF, a joint venture between Dubai-based property giant Emaar and Delhi-based MGF, had sought financial assistance from DDA saying it wouldn’t be able to complete the project on its own. The company had requested DDA to buy its apartments or give loan. Over a month ago, following a preliminary assessment, DDA had decided to extend an immediate loan of Rs 100 crore to Emaar MGF so that project construction continues unhindered. The amount of financial assistance has now been raised to Rs 500 crore after a panel set up by DDA on the matter gave its final report last month.

But an Emaar MGF spokeswoman said the company is yet to hear a final word from the government on the financial assistance and has received no money so far. The urban development ministry official said even though the decision to lend money to the realty firm has been taken, the government was waiting for the general elections to get over to release the fund. The apartments in the athlete village have a price tag between Rs 1.8 crore and Rs 4.8 crore at an average rate of Rs 13,000 per sqft. The company had priced the project aggressively in the backdrop of a realty boom, good location and premium facilities. But a sharp correction in the realty market and general deterioration in the economy impacted sales at the project and even prompted several buyers to default on payment
of installments.

Emaar MGF had bid Rs 321 crore to bag the Commonwealth Games village project in 2007. The project involves building 1,168 apartments to accommodate 8,500 athletes. Under the agreement, Emaar MGF has to hand over one-third of the apartments free of cost to DDA and can sell the balance.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/New ... 507637.cms
http://news.in.msn.com/business/article ... id=3010600
http://hubpages.com/hub/Emaar-MGF-Gets- ... alth-Games
http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?659781
May 15 2009: As the Delhi Development Authority’s announcement of a Rs 700-crore bailout for Emaar MGF makes the realty major a beneficiary of the first such government bailout, other facilitators of the Commonwealth Games Village project claim they are yet to receive payments due.

While it has been a week since the DDA released Rs 200 crore to Emaar as the first instalment of the bailout, Ahluwalia Contracts, the main contracting agency looking after the Games Village project, says it is yet to receive all pending dues from Emaar and fears the company “might not release the entire bailout money towards this project.”

Ahluwalia Contracts maintains that only one third of their total dues have been cleared since Emaar received the bailout money. “The company owes us over Rs 90 crore. We have, however, received a mere 30 per cent of the total amount. Although our officials are in constant touch with Emaar regarding the same, the real estate major has been dilly dallying over the issue,” an official at M/s Ahluwalia Contracts told Newsline.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/emaar ... ia/459725/

Background info on Emaar-MGF
Emaar is one of the world leading real estate companies that have business operations in 16 countries and MGF has over 10 years of real estate development experience in Northern part of India. Emaar Group in Dubai has constructed some of the most prestigious buildings and properties in UAE like:
* Burj Dubai Downtown is the tallest tower in the world
* Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping complex
* Residential buildings like Emirates Hills, The Lakes, The views, Emaar Towers etc.
* Emaar Business park
* Dubai Marina and
* Polo and golf clubs and also has an international presence in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Pakistan, Qatar, India and USA.

Emaar MGF Developers has planned to invest in real estate development projects in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mohali, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Kochi, Mumbai and Kolkata worth of more than half a billion USD. These offerings that include villas, satellite townships, shopping complexes, commercial complexes, malls, residential plots, IT parks and international standard office spaces. The group has also identified other key industry verticals like healthcare, education and infrastructure as future line of business and also planned to come up with seven star hotels and resorts in prominent locations in Kolkata and Delhi in the hospitality industry vertical.

Emaar MGF Land developers have following projects in India:

Residential
* The Views, Mohali Hills
* The Villas, Mohali Hills
* The Palm Springs
* The Palm Drive, Gurgaon

Office and Retail Space
* The Palm Square, Gurgaon
* Central Plaza, Mohali Hills
* The Palm Springs Plaza
* The Mall of West Delhi

Hospitality
Associations with:
* Intercontinental Hotels Group
* Accor and Premiere Travel Inn
* Holiday Inn Hotels, Kolkata
* Marriott Hotels, Kolkata
* Four Seasons Hotels Limited, Hyderabad.
* Novotel Hyderabad
Emaar MGF ties up with Australian firm
http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/23/stories ... 201700.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emaar_Properties
http://www.indiaenews.com/business/20070628/58133.htm
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Re: Issues faced by Commonwealth Games-New Delhi 2010

Post by Gaurav_S »

scarred India eyes a clean lift
By N.Ananthanarayanan
NEW DELHI, June 16 (Reuters) - India's weightlifting body is taking a number of important steps to avoid a repeat of damaging doping cases of the past when the nation hosts the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next year. Impressive medal hauls by Indian lifters in the last two Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne were marred by doping suspensions.

Women lifters then turned the unwanted spotlight on themselves at the last two Olympics in Athens and Beijing. In 2006, the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) was banned for 12 months after four lifters were caught for doping within a year. This time, the WFI has dropped senior lifters in favour of youth for a training camp ahead of the October 2010 Games.
"Along with the preparation, we have also prepared the federation to cleanse it from various malpractices, vested interests and the consequential bad practices the lifters had picked up," IWF secretary Baldev Gulati told Reuters. However, it was proving to be a tough job, he added. "We're building a new team and when we do that from scratch, there is always some heartburn. "We're going through a phase of transformation," Gulati said. We're saying no more quarreling with the lifters..., no more tolerating nonsense."

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