Green Commonwealth Games: Delhi govt steps up measures

In tune with the green plan for next year’s Commonwealth Games, the Delhi government has drawn up a comprehensive plan to recycle the vast amount of waste expected to be generated during the 13-day long sporting event.

The state’s Environment department has already identified over 80 schools having paper recycling units to recycle waste paper from different Games venues.

A soft-drink manufacturer has also been roped in to recycle plastic water bottles and juice bottles. “Over 80 schools have been given paper recycling machines. These schools will recycle all the paper waste generated during the sporting event,” Environment Secretary Dharmendra said. A proper mechanism will be put in place to collect organic as well as inorganic waste from Games venues and take them to the recycling plants on a daily basis, the Environment Secretary added. “We are taking all possible steps to minimise the carbon footprint for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

The Delhi government and Games organising committee have already declared that the event will be the first “Green Games” in the history of sporting events. The department has already carried out large-scale afforestation and development of city forests.