A wilted demonstration
Will Delhi be able to repeat the success story of the Afro-Asian Games in 2010 and justify its bid motto – ‘New Frontiers and New Friendships’? 

Divyadarshini Patel
New Delhi, July 26: Rains in Delhi bring with them a gesture of relief for the commoners but I guess it is not the same for the Common Wealth Committee. Since the time Delhi won the bid for hosting the Common Wealth Games 2010 in November 2003, there has been a stir of constant activities in the National Capital of India. The Organising Committee was beset by delays from the very beginning. 2005 was a year that marked the starting of all the concerns – voiced by Raja Randhir Singh, Indian Olympic Association vice-chairman that Delhi was very slow paced. In 2009, the Indian Government reported 2/3rd of the venues running behind schedule. Now, two months prior to the Games, the Indian newsroom is still reporting the uncertainties of whether the Games stadium would be ready in time for the sport event to be hosted! 

The scenario today, is a portrayal of a crazy dash for last minute planning… ‘Efforts’ are being made to ensure better preparations for the mega event but will these efforts suffice? The venues that were to be ready in December last year have still not reached completion. Michael Funnel, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President will certainly have a lot to worry about. But for the Government, the laxity from the Organising Committee is combined with the threats from the terrorist group, Al-Qaeda to create a more complicated situation. When it should be concentrating on strengthening the security arrangements for the Games, the Government is busy completing the pending tasks! These circumstances are not only increasing the estimated costs, but also are questioning the worthiness and trust that other nations put in India. 

Adding to the already worse conditions are the monsoons. The monsoons have become a part of this blame game being played by the Organising Committee, with the newspapers backing the information that the rains are rooting a further delay. The venues were to be handed over on 1 August 2010 but the rains may well become a cause of ‘international embarrassment’. There are many areas that need an upgrade for the Games but the allotment of work to different agencies is also making it difficult to get the necessary clearances for the construction work. The Municipal Corporation, Delhi was to ensure smooth roads for the 2010 Games. The progress in road development is in such disarray that the Delhi high court recently commented, “Progress, if made, should be visible”. 

When the country is eagerly waiting to host the Common Wealth Games 2010, hoping for great profits in the tourism sector and good business for those in the hospitality industry; we can just expect that the Games do not turn out to be a major fiasco marring India’s international credibility forever!