JOIN USMonsoon cloud hovers over Games
Vast stretches of water have surrounded many stadiums while there is fear that flooding of the Yamuna would submerge areas closer to the Games Village. Already, the fields opposite the Village just across the road have been submerged by the swollen Yamuna.
As officials of many participating countries have expressed concern over health and hygiene in the Village, they were apparently referring to the possibility of spread of dengue, amongst others.
However, Cabinet secretary K M Chandrashekar who visited the stadiums and the Village blamed the monsoon saying rains affected the construction work. “Had there been no rains, we would have finished work 15 days ago.”
He asserted that there would be no problems once the athletes start coming in. Even as he admitted that problems existed, he said everything would be fine. “So far as main stadiums and practising venues are concerned, we are on schedule. Problems at the Village are being addressed. Some problems are there. We have put in place a system to monitor through a command and control system. We have told the organising committee to substantially step up manpower. There was problem in power supply, it is being addressed.”
On the issues of health and hygiene, he said the organising committee of the CWG has gone into the task. “I am confident they will rise to occasion.”
The BJP, decrying the state of preparedness, demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh step in, taking personal interest for successful conduct of the Games. BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said, “The PM should come before the nation and say every care is taken. He should take personal interest and see that these concerns are addressed and necessary steps are being taken. Please do not gloss over these serious lapses.”
Of the 27 labourers injured in the foot overbridge collapse near the main Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Tuesday, four are stated to be critical. They were admitted to AIIMS shortly after huge girders fell on them.
The Delhi High Court came to the rescue of the unfortunate victims on Wednesday and directed that a compensation of Rs 3 lakh be given to those critically injured in the mishap.
DH News Service