CWG security on Australian minister's agenda during India visit

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Sunday said since there is a "high risk" of terror attacks in India, he would discuss the security plan for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi during his visit to the country starting on Tuesday.

Smith will be on a three-day visit to India and the rising number of violent assaults on Indian students in Australia will also top the agenda during his talks with the officials.

"We are suffering very much in terms of our reputation and standing in India because of the recent difficulties we have had with attacks on Indian students in Australia, particularly in Melbourne.

"But, I also want to have conversations with relevant Indian ministers about the planning for the Commonwealth Games," Smith told ABC television.
The Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event in India since the Asian Games in 1982, will be held in New Delhi from October 3-14. The Games and several other international sporting events in India have been the subject of terrorist threats.

Concerns have grown more after a recent bombing at a restaurant in the city of Pune which killed 16 people.

"...we continue to underline that there is a high risk of terrorist attacks in India. That's reflected by our travel advice and that's reflected by our general advice that we give any Australian who is contemplating travelling to India."

Development projects will take a big hit

With only Rs 50 crore allocated for the Commonwealth Games in the Union Budget for 2010-2011, the Delhi government will cut down substantially on its spending on other development projects in the next fiscal.

Senior Delhi government officials said the government had utilised hundreds of crores meant for other development projects to create infrastructure keeping in mind the Commonwealth Games.

The officials said there is no option but to cut down on public spending.

Delhi government had recently asked the Centre for Rs 2,000 crore to offset its expenditures.

In the last budget too, Delhi received Rs 2,000 crore to develop infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games.

But Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit didn’t seem perturbed. She said less allocation for the Games is primarily because most of the infrastructure projects are either complete or will be ready soon.

“Whatever money we had required for the construction has already been given to us,” Dikshit said.

Despite the Centre’s cold shoulder, Delhi finance minister Dr A.K. Walia said there will be no let up in the execution of Games projects.

The central government has allocated an additional

Rs 903.63 crore under the Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to the state to upgrade city’s infrastructure.

The money, said Walia, is a part funding of 35 per cent central government’s assistance to take up projects worth Rs 9,821 crore sanctioned under the scheme.

However, officials feel that bigger allocation to the state would have helped in improving Delhi’s financial health.

Rs 50 crore jolt

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee delivered a rude shock to Delhi government, hosting the Commonwealth Games in October this year.

Mukherjee cut the budgetary allocation for Commonwealth Games — the biggest non-cricket sporting event India will host since the 1982 Asian Games — by 34 per cent in the Budget 2010-11 from what he had allotted in Budget 2009. In last year’s outlay, the finance minister earmarked Rs 3,463 crore for the Games. This year the allocation is Rs 2,296.4 crore.

Of this amount, Delhi, which had made a demand for Rs 1,000 crore, was handed out just Rs 50 crore. In the 2009-2010 Budget, Delhi had got a whopping Rs 2,000 crore for completing the games related infrastructure projects. Till date, the Delhi government has spent Rs 7,000 crore in preparations for the mega sports event.

The biggest beneficiary this year is the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, which has been allocated Rs 2,069.52 crore for renovation of stadiums, preparation of teams, upgradation/creation of venues and purchasing equipment and furnishings for stadiums. The Union Urban Development Ministry will get Rs 176.9 crore.

The Delhi government is disappointed with the meagre allocation of funds. “We will write to the Planning Commission for more funds. But we can’t let games preparations suffer,” Delhi Finance Minister Dr AK Walia said.

“The Rs 50-crore allocation means we will have to curtail funds from other sectors such as health and education and divert the money to complete games related projects. Cost overruns of almost all the projects related to the games have already put an enormous burden on our exchequer,” Walia added.

“Construction work on all the Games projects is already underway. We can’t stop midway because of fund crunch.”

Poor planning on the part of the implementing agencies has resulted in many Games projects overshooting the original budgetary estimates and causing delays. The Delhi government had cited paucity of funds for the delay in several infrastructure projects.

Union Sports Minister MS Gill, on the other hand, said, “I am very happy that the finance minister consistently supported us for the sports and Commonwealth Games. I am fully funded.”

Centre hammers down Delhi Games pitch

A month before it presents its own budget, the Sheila Dikshit government received a jolt on Friday with the allocation for Games-bound Delhi in the Union Budget seeing a sharp dip over last year — from a high of Rs 2487.53 crore last year to Rs 1283.70 crore.

At a time when Delhi government is struggling to find funds for Commonwealth Games to be held in October, a paltry sum of Rs 50 crore — as against the demand of Rs 2,000 crore — has been allocated for CWG projects. Last year, Rs 1000 crore was given as special grant for Games. Though the grant under JNNURM has increased to Rs 903.63 crore from Rs 153.91 crore, it doesn’t mean that the fund can be channelised to all Games-related projects covered under JNNURM, said sources. A senior government official said: ‘‘Last year, JNNURM funds were used for Games works because most of the urban mission projects were to start from 2011. Not anymore, as we will have to divert funds for projects slated to start next year.’’

Facing a fund crunch, the government, sources say, will now have to maintain a tighter grip on its purse to be able to survive and walk into 2011-12. Speaking to Times City, Delhi finance minister A K Walia refrained from commenting on the size of the allocation and simply said that earlier the central assistance was always in the range of Rs 700 crore and only last year the state got sizeable assistance from the Centre in view of the Games.

Claiming that the Central assistance will be just enough to sail through the Games, the government admitted that the pressure for generating revenue will be much more. On being asked whether there would be more pressure on the common man in the form of fresh taxes or cut in subsidies in the Delhi budget, Walia refused to comment. But government sources admitted that there are indications that the government, already reeling under the impact of inflation and a financial crunch, may have to resort to measures to enhance its kitty.

Walia added that despite reduction in special grant, there will be no let-up in execution of Games projects. ‘‘The city government will continue to strive hard to utilize its own resources because the Games are linked to the pride of the country. However, the city government will continue to request for allocation of more funds from the Planning Commission for this purpose,’’ he said.
Nodded Rakesh Mehta, chief secretary of Delhi, ‘‘The funds will need to be made available as many projects like the Barapullah Nallah are heading towards completion.’’

Weatherman to get his own TV channel

The weatherman may finally get it right. With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) getting an allocation of Rs 156 crore for 2010-11, its special projects have received a boost.

The amount is meant specifically for three projects — seismic hazard and risk evaluation, Commonwealth Games and a dedicated weather channel. Officials say that Rs 50 crore meant for the Games project has already been allocated and the amount sanctioned in the new budget would have to be sub-allocated to the other two projects.

The Games project, that is being implemented along with Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), is already underway. A set of highly sophisticated equipment is being installed at all Games venues and at the Games Village to provide weather forecast for a period between an hour and five days. ‘‘The Metropolitan Weather Information and Forecast System for the NCR and Commonwealth Games 2010 is going to be a permanent project. At least 70 automatic weather stations will provide accurate information to organisers, athletes and spectators,’’ said Ajit Tyagi, DG, IMD.

While the Central weather forecasting office will be based at Lodhi Road, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium and Games Village will also have one centre each.

On the other hand, the IITM is in the process of setting up 10 monitoring stations to predict air quality status in a 50-km radius around the Games Village. The stations will generate data for a 4km-by-4km area a day in advance. These stations will record level of pollutants in the air and also generate data based on weather conditions to indicate how weather patterns and emission sources will affect the air quality at a particular point during the Games.

The second project for which funds have been sanctioned is the microzonation of Delhi to indicate impact of earthquakes in various parts of the city. ‘‘Delhi is located on a faultline and is susceptible to earthquakes. The department is in the process of carrying out a study to assess the impact of an earthquake on each area of 1sqkm. We are hoping to complete the study by the year-end and then carry out the study in 30 more cities,’’ said Tyagi.

The third project is a dedicated television channel that will relay information and news related specifically to weather. Officials said that work on this is also underway and various components of the work were being finalised.

Rohini heliport plan takes off with Rs 40cr

The capital is all set to get its first heliport — a dedicated airport for choppers — in time for the Commonwealth Games in October. Budget 2010-11 makes a provision of Rs 40 crore for Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL) to build the heliport in Rohini along with a chopper training facility in Pune. This comes on the heels of Rs 10 crore that was provided for the Rohini facility last Budget.

Pawan Hans acquired 25 acres in Rohini from DDA for Rs 19.7 crore last year. The chopper major has got the feasibility report prepared from RITES for the Rs 63-crore project and is now awaiting Planning Commission approval for it.

‘‘The government has been very supportive and the Rohini heliport and a helipad at the Games Village, for which NBCC has done a preliminary study, will be ready on time. The heliport in Delhi will provide a big boost to helicopter movement,’’ PHHL chairman R K Tyagi said. PHHL has got 10,000 sqm in the Games Village for the helipad. This ‘green’ helipad — which can be removed without leaving any trace — would come up on the ecologically-sensitive site on the Yamuna flood plain.

To meet the increased demand PHHL, which has a fleet of 35 choppers and operates eight more owned by other agencies, is going to acquire 10 more flying machines at the cost of Rs 500 crore this year. While Delhi is getting infrastructure for the 10-day mega event, the heliport promises to improve the capital’s connectivity with the hinterland and will be critical during medical emergencies or disaster relief operations.

To facilitate chopper movement, DGCA recently approved separate air corridors in Delhi and Mumbai.

This will allow choppers to fly independent of aircraft movement. Currently, at IGI Airport greater priority is given to bigger commercial planes instead of choppers (except those used by VVIPs) and the latter have to wait long to take off.

As Metro Phase II draws to a close, eyes on new lines

As Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) races to complete all its under-construction lines before the Commonwealth Games this year, it has been allocated Rs 2,780 crore in the Budget. Of this, Rs 650 crore is equity and Rs 2,130 crore will come as part of the loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The money will be used to fund Delhi Metro’s ongoing 128km-long Phase II.

The outlay for 2010-11 is less than Rs 3,552.2 crore granted last year. But this, officials say, is because the project is nearing completion. ‘‘Phase II construction is about 82% complete and about 72% of the total estimate of Rs 19,131 crore has been already been paid. The allocated amount is adequate for DMRC at present, and if additional funding is required it can be procured through the revised estimates and supplementary grants later in the year,’’ said Kumar Keshav, director (projects), DMRC. Unlike the previous Budget, there is no allocation under the head of subordinate debt this year as no new lines have been planned and the land acquisition for existing lines was accounted for in the past budgets.

Till March 31, DMRC has a sum of Rs 10,166.9 crore, which includes the JICA loan received through the Centre. To fund the phase, 49.16% of the amount is sourced through the JICA loan from Japan, 20.72% through equities from Centre, another 20.72% through equities from Delhi government, 6.67% via subordinate debt (towards cost of land), 2.01% from property development and 0.72% from miscellaneous grants (for Noida/Gurgaon lines).

This year’s allocation doesn’t include any money for Delhi Metro’s Phase III as it is yet to be approved by Delhi government. DMRC is in the final stages of preparing Detailed Project Reports for the new Metro lines proposed as part of Phase III, which will be spread across 112 km.

Finance Ministery grants Rs Rs 2,296.43 for CWG

Bogged down by controversies and delayed preparations, the Commonwealth Games (CWG) received a major boost today with the Finance Ministry allocating Rs 2,296.43 crore for the multi-sports event in the budget under several heads.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee allocated the amount to various departments with a view to improve perk up the sagging preparations. The Sports Ministry got the lion's share of the moolah, bagging Rs 2,069.52 crore. Out of this, the CWG Organising Committee got Rs 1175.54 crore. The Sport Authority of India (SAI) and other sports organisations got Rs 377.92 crore for upgradation of the various stadia, the Union Urban Development Ministry got Rs 176.90 crore and the Delhi government Rs 50 crore.

The Delhi Police also got a share with the finance ministry giving the men in Khaki Rs one lakh for paying bandwidth charges for an integrated security solutions.

However, the athletes, who should be the main focus, were allocated a comparatively meagre amount of Rs 378 crore.

Guyana expresses confidence in India's ability to conduct the Games efficiently and achieve high standards

His Excellency The President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony in their speech expressed confidence in India's ability to conduct the Games efficiently and achieve high standards in every aspect. The Indian High Commission assured the gathering about the satisfactory progress of constructions as well as India's ability to conduct the Games with complete security to all delegates and visitors.

Earlier, the Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi arrived in Geargetown, Guyana from Trinidad. It was received at the airport by the President of the Guyana Olympic Association and his team. The Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi was driven under police escort to the hotel.

In the evening a reception was hosted by the Indian High Commission where H.E. the President of Guyana made a brief appearance. The Indian High Commissioner Mr Subit Mandal assured the gathering about the satisfactory progress of constructions as well as India's ability to conduct the Games with complete security to all delegates and visitors.

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is baton’s only destination in mainland South America.

Built on green technologies, Talkatora Stadium inaugurated

Talkatora Stadium complex will be an environmentalist’s delight. Constructed with recycled building material, fly ash and heat reflective glass, the dome-shaped stadium is a perfect green zone. On Wednesday, Delhi’s Chief Minister Smt. Shiela Dikshit inaugurated the sporting complex.

The Times of India, dated 25 Feb 2010, reports that while describing the stadium as a unique piece of modern-day architecture, Chief Minister said it was built with environment-friendly materials.

The complex encloses the stadium and a facility block. The stadium has been connected to the block through a tunnel which will be used by athletes during the Games.

Talkatora, which is the venue for the boxing competition, and the stadium will accommodate 2,700 spectators and has a parking capacity for 500 cars.

Smt. Dikshit said efforts are on to make the Games a memorable event so that Delhi can host bigger sporting events in the future.

Elaborating on various infrastructure development projects, She said the city must seize the opportunity to present itself as ‘‘a major destination for international sporting events’’.

The Delhi government has undertaken several key infrastructure development projects as part of its preparation for the Games.

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said India could now bid for the 2020 Olympics. ‘‘All Games-related projects will be completed as per their deadlines,’’ Kalmadi said.

New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) chairman Parimal Rai while elaborating on the state-of-the-art facilities being provided at Talkatora Stadium said the complex had been upgraded with acoustic ceiling, score boards, sports lighting etc.

Speaking on the facility block, Rai said: ‘‘it is a multi-purpose air-conditioned building which has been constructed in accordance to the green building concept. Heat reflective glass has been used for the facade of this block. Rain water harvesting provisions as well as dual knob flushing system have been included in the design concept.’’

During the Commonwealth Games, each floor of the facility-block will be used for a specific purpose. For instance, the ground floor of the block will have athlete cubicles, medical office warm-up area and athlete lounge. The first floor will have a doping-control office, federation office, and technical official lounge, committee room, meeting room and changing rooms, among other facilities.

Around 104 CCTV cameras will be fitted on the periphery walls of the stadium. Natural resources and habitat have been integrated into the overall design of this stadium.

Argentina appreciates Delhi’s security measures for Hero Honda FIH World Cup

The Hero Honda FIH World Cup which is seen as a test for Delhi in run up to the mega sporting event, the XIX Commonwealth Games, to be held in october this year, got a major boost by the support shown by the Embassy of The Argentine Republic.

The Argentine Republic (Argentina) has complimented the Delhi Police for its security arrangements for the Hero Honda FIH World Cup to be held in New Delhi from 28 February 2010.

In a letter to Mr. Y S Dadwal, Commissioner of Delhi Police, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in New Delhi has said, “The Mission highly appreciates and wants to thank for the security measures that the Delhi police is taking in order to assure the peaceful and safe celebration of this sports event, and specially the safety of the Argentine sportsmen.”

The letter further reads,” The Embassy of the Argentine Republic avails itself to this opportunity to renew to the Delhi Police the assurances of its highest consideration.”

Ensure better quality of Delhi roads, court tells MCD

While the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is busy re-surfacing the city's roads ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the civic agency was Thursday told by the Delhi High Court to ensure "better life" for the roads so that they do not "crumble with the onset of the monsoon".

Justice Kailash Gambhir said, "The MCD shall indicate as to whether they have acquired two machines, namely jet-patching and infra-red heater, and within how much time the said machines will be functional on the roads of Delhi."

The MCD is responsible for construction and maintenance of 94 percent of roads in Delhi.

The MCD earlier told the court that pot-holed roads will soon be a rare sight in Delhi, courtesy a 'Municipal Laboratory' recently upgraded and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to test samples taken from road construction.

"The Municipal Laboratory has been technically upgraded and has obtained ISO 9001 certification. Now, the laboratory is fully equipped with the latest machines to test samples of road construction as per the CPWD specifications," MCD counsel Maninder Acharya earlier told the court.

The civic agency has also pooled in the expertise of the Sri Ram Institute for Industrial Research and the Regional Testing Centre to conduct quality checks on samples of road projects worth between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.25 lakh, counsel said.

Not satisfied, Justice Gambhir directed the civic agency to prepare a time-bound schedule for the construction of roads that meet international standards.

It said, "MCD will file an additional affidavit as to whether they are adopting modern technology for re-laying the roads for ensuring better quality and standard of Delhi roads, and also for their better life tenure so that the roads do not crumble with the onset of monsoon."

The court also directed the civic agency to consult the Public Works Department (PWD) and Central Road Research Institute to introduce proper mechanism for re-surfacing the city roads.

The court asked the MCD to file a detailed affidavit by April 7

India wins silver medal at Commonwealth Shooting championship

Indian women shooter Birmati on Thursday won a silver medal on the sixth day of the ongoing Commonwealth Shooting championships being held in the national capital.

She won the silver medal in the 50-meter Prone Badge and Pairs event for women by scoring 592 points.

On her part, Birmati was an elated shooter by contending she had done her job quite job well beyond the expectations.

"I had prepared myself mentally that I will do well. I only focussed on my basics. I worked well on my basics. Now I will prepare for the Commonwealth Games. I hope to give my best and produce the best possible results in the Commonwealth Games," Birmati said.

New Zealand shooter Sally Johnston, who ended up bagging 593 points, won the gold medal in the event.

In the same event, Scotland's Jennifer McIntosh finished third, but was tied in points with the Indian shooter.

As on February 25, India led the medal tally with 17 Gold, 12 Silver and 6 Bronze medals.

Karni Singh Shooting range gets the thumbs-up from shooters

The renovated Karni Singh Shooting Range has got the thumbs up from all the shooters taking part in the ongoing Commonwealth Shooting Championship.

All national and international shooters taking part in the event rated the range as ‘world class’.

‘The Championship was a very good preparation for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. These ranges are at par with any other international range. International shooters who are participating in the championship are equally impressed with the world class facilities here,’ said pistol shooter Samresh Jung, who was adjudged the best shooter in the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Martin Mace, Northern Ireland’s team manager, was impressed with the facilities at the range.

‘I would like to take it home. This is the second time I have come here since 1995. Security can sometimes be used as an excuse by governments of participating countries to not compete. However, I am completely satisfied with the security arrangements in place,’ he said.

Ratna Sharmin Akhter from Bangladesh was satisfied with the facilities and infrastructure at the renovated shooting range.

Commonwealth Games boost for city gymnast Ryan McKee

A TALENTED gymnast is jumping for joy after a welcome cash boost from a Scots firm.

Ryan McKee, 15, of Glasgow - who is hoping to compete in the city's 2014 Commonweath Games - was handed s1500 by building firm Laidlaw Scott.

Also sharing in the windfall from the company's Future Champions sponsorship programme, are athlete Sean Fontana and cyclist Greg Brown, both from Glasgow.

They were helped out with funding in a bid to secure places to compete at the London Olympics in 2012 and the Glasgow games.

Ryan said: "I want to make the Great Britain squad and represent Scotland, and the help is definitely going to give me a better chance of doing it."

Talkatora opens for boxers ahead of Commonwealth Championships

The Talkatora Indoor Stadium was Wednesday inaugurated amid much fanfare and will be thrown open to Indian boxers preparing for the Commonwealth Championships by 1st March to help them get a feel of the arena ahead of the 10th to 18th March event.

The dome-shaped arena, which would also host the boxing competitions of the Commonwealth Games later this year, has been renovated at a cost of Rs 150 crore.

Inaugurated by Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi Wednesday, the stadium's seating capacity has, however, come down from 3000 to 2700 after the renovation.

"It belongs to the boxers now. They can come here and practice for the Commonwealth Championships. It's there's," Kalmadi said.

"It's a world-class facility and meets all the requirements set by the Commonwealth Games Federation," he added.

The arena will have a boxing ring erected inside by 1st March.

"By 1st March or latest by 2nd March, a boxing ring will be erected inside," said Competition Director for the championship Lenny D'Gama.

Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh, Commonwealth Games gold winner Akhil Kumar and Asian champion Suranjoy Singh were among the boxers who had demanded that the stadium be made available to them at least a week ahead of the championship.

Railways decision to become Delhi 2010 Lead Partner is a landmark: Kalmadi

“Railway budget has number of encouraging moves for Olympic sport in India”

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, today hailed Minister of Railways Ms. Mamta Banerjee’s announcement during her presentation of the Railway Budget before Parliament that Railways would be the Lead Partner of the Games to be held in October this year as a major landmark.

“I congratulate Ms. Mamta Banerjee for the announcement,” Mr. Kalmadi said. “It augurs well for the Games that Railways has come on board as Lead Partner. Railways’ role in nation building and in the evolution of Olympic sport in India is well known.”

Mr. Kalmadi also welcomed the decision to launch a special train, the Commonwealth Express which will have an exhibition and travel all over India to promote the Games as well as the spirit of sportsmanship among the youth.

“I am particularly delighted by Ms. Banerjee’s announcement that Railways would recruit more sportspersons in its ranks in the coming year,” Mr. Kalmadi said. “Olympic sport in India needs such incentives for the young to be drawn towards taking up sport as a career,” he said.

The decision to establish five sports academies in Delhi, Secunderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai and to install a number of astro-turf hockey pitches across the country augurs well for sport in the coming years, Mr. Kalmadi said. “With such encouragement from Railways, I am sure Olympic sport will flourish in India,” he said.

Argentina appreciates Delhi’s security measures for Hero Honda FIH World Cup

The Argentine Republic (Argentina) has complimented the Delhi Police for its security arrangements for the Hero Honda FIH World Cup to be held in New Delhi from 28 February 2010.

In a letter to Mr. Y S Dadwal, Commissioner of Delhi Police, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in New Delhi has said, “The Mission highly appreciates and wants to thank for the security measures that the Delhi police is taking in order to assure the peaceful and safe celebration of this sports event, and specially the safety of the Argentine sportsmen.”

The letter further reads,” The Embassy of the Argentine Republic avails itself to this opportunity to renew to the Delhi Police the assurances of its highest consideration.”

Government radio to talk during Commonwealth Games

The Delhi government is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to security at the Commonwealth Games 2010, scheduled to begin in New Delhi this October

Be it a natural calamity, security breach, medical situation or terrorist threat, the government is pulling out all stops to ensure that its agencies talk to each other without any call drops, hiccups or breach of confidentiality. Towards this end, it has deployed a dedicated radio network based on the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) technology.

The estimated Rs 100 crore government radio network (GRN), being installed by HCL Infosystems and Motorola, will link 18 government agencies seamlessly, including the police, fire services, hospitals, public works department and the Delhi Transport Corporation.

“The project is on schedule. It will be ready for testing by this June, well ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” asserts Subodh Vardhan, director sales and country head (Enterprise Mobility Solutions) of Motorola India.

The network for the Commonwealth Games has been designed to minimise the reaction time in the toughest of situations, ensuring minimal call drops (since cellular networks can get choked) and encrypted communication to maintain the highest levels of security, according to George Paul, executive vice president of HCL Infosystems.

The government radio network is an advanced digital interoperable communication platform that will operate on a secure spectrum and have 46 base stations. It will cover the entire metropolitan area of India’s capital, including transportation networks such as Delhi Metro Railway Tunnels and New Delhi Airport Terminal-II. HCL and Motorola have a seven-year contract with the government for the same.

The radio network is designed thus that the police patrolling the Games can also have an inventory of every device. In case, they lose a handset (walkie-talkie), “they can simply kill it over the air, thus preventing any breach of security”, explains Paul. Besides, multiple agencies can use the radio network. They will have “user groups” which will enable them to talk among themselves without any third party (or other government agency) eavesdropping on their conversation.

“However, in case the police want to talk to the fire brigade personnel, they can switch to that particular frequency with simply a push of a button,” explains Vardhan. Of course, this will take place only with the help of a coordinator.

Moreover, all the police vans, ambulances, fire brigades and other vehicles are global positioning system (GPS) enabled. “The command centre will know the exact location of each vehicle. All locations can be identified on a map, and thus the government agency concerned can locate and summon the required vehicle or another agency within minutes if there’s an emergency situation,” notes Paul.

In case a terrorist is on the lose at the Games, his picture can be instantly relayed to all the handsets of the law enforcement agencies. “Even a new user group can be created instantly for broadcast of any emergency communication,” explains Vardhan.

TETRA (formerly known as Trans European Trunked RAdio) is a Professional Mobile Radio and two-way transceiver (popularly known as a walkie-talkie) specification. It works in a similar way to global system for mobile (GSM) but the handsets have a longer range and there is more bandwidth allocated for data.

Such technologies are available world over — the UK has deployed it, and so has the US and a host of European countries. Closer home, the technology has been used by the Indian Army as well as the Kerala police force. In India, the department of telecommunications has given the Delhi government permission to use TETRA.

Motorola, explains Vardhan, has experience from over 600 digital mission-critical network rollouts across the world. Some of these include the Beijing Special Olympics, Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad airports besides the Central Railway (Mumbai) and is being deployed at the Mumbai metro.

HCL, on its part, has deployed many projects such as Emergency Response Centre for Police (Dial 100) and Ambulance (Dial 102) in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Bhopal, Nagpur, Pune, Bhopal and Dehradun in partnership with various state governments. “We have a lot of experience in setting up ‘Command & Control’ centres in the country,” asserts Paul.

Manavjit Singh Sandhu sets new Commonwealth record, Indians bag 3 more gold

Manavjit Singh Sandhu bettered the Commonwealth Games record in the individual trap event as Indian shooters won all the three gold medals on offer on the seventh day of the Commonwealth Championships here today.

India's overall tally stood at 17 gold, 12 silver and six bronze medals. By adding the consolation badges given to shooters in a team event, India's tally swells to 26 gold, 17 silver and 10 bronze.

Manavjit set a new Commonwealth Games record in the men's trap individual event scoring 146 points, which is also his personal best, to pocket the gold.

England's Aaron Heading (143) took the silver, while Australia's Adam Villa (142) bagged the bronze.

The other two golds for India came in the 10m air rifle women's event and 25m centre fire pistol competition for men.

Neha Sapte, 17, who incidentally has to appear for her Class XII board exam tomorrow in Mumbai, won the gold in the women's 10m Air Rifle event scoring 496.1 points.

In a nail-biting finish for the next two spots, Sharmin Akhter Ratna of Bangladesh barely managed to avoid a tie with Australia's Robyn Nus Van. Ratna's total score of 494.5 points earned her the silver while Robyn's 494.2 got her the bronze.

Indians swept all three medals in the men's 25m Center Fire Pistol individual event.

Gold grabber Vijay Kumar again took the top spot on the podium for his 580 points. Mahender Singh took the silver for his 568 points while Viraj Singh took the bronze for his 567 points.

Mamata plans public-pvt partnership, invites biz firms

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday presented India's rail budget for the next fiscal with the promise of a new business model to encourage private investment along with social commitment but without privatisation.

"Our objective is inclusive growth," she told the Lok Sabha, Lower House of Parliament, adding that her main consideration in this year's budget was social responsibility rather than mere commercial viability of projects. (Budget highlights)

"We have set our goals in the Vision 2020 document and we will achieve it," the minister said, referring to the document unveiled in December that has targeted making over 30,000 km of routes into double or multiple lines against 18,000 km today.

"It is a fact that administrative and procedural delays discourage potential investors. We will need to overcome this. I am setting up a special task force for this," she said.

"Special structure will be created for the new business model,” she said.

"But we will not privatise our railways. Indian Railways will remain with the government."

At the same time, she also asked the private sector to refrain from what she called “typical negative approach” while dealing with the Indian Railways.

"I am sorry to say this, this mindset has to change."

The Railway Budget for 2010-11 proposed no increase in passenger fares and freight rates while reducing the tariff by Rs 100 per wagon in transportation of foodgrains, kerosene and fertilisers to tackle the price rise. (No fare hike: Read story)

The budget also proposed to reduce the maximum limit of service charge on e-booking of tickets to Rs 10 for sleeper

class and Rs 20 for AC class. The present maximum charge is Rs 15 and Rs 40 respectively.

Railways will run a special exhibition train across the country to mark the Commonwealth Games to be held here apart from being the lead partner of the mega sporting event.

She also said five sports academies would be set up across the country to strengthen the infrastructure. The proposed locations are Delhi, Secunderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

To promote hockey, Bannerjee said it is also proposed to provide astro-turfs.

The Railways will also provide increased employment opportunities for sports persons.

"Indian Railways will be the lead partner of the Commonwealth Games being hosted by India this year. To mark this event and also to spread the message, Railways proposes to start a Commonwealth Exhibition train," Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee were among those in the house, presided over by Speaker Meira Kumar.

This was Banerjee's fourth budget of her career as railway minister and the second for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in its second straight term after being voted back to office in May last year.

Mamata Banerjee said the government aims to increase non core earnings to 10 billion rupees from 1.5 billion rupees.

According to Banerjee, 117 out of the 122 new trains promised in her last budget will be flagged off by March 31, within a matter of seven months, which was a commendable effort.

Seeking to give safety issues due consideration, the minister said there were a few cases of unfortunate accidents in the past and said these would be prevented by adopting the highest level of technology and manpower training.

“Within five years, we will have 13,000 out of unmanned level crossings manned - 3,000 this fiscal and 1,000 in the coming fiscal,” she said, referring to the high number of accidents at such crossroads.

The budget came against the backdrop of the share of Indian Railways in the movement of goods, vis a vis truckers, falling from 24.07 percent in 2001-02 to 20.89 percent in 2008-09 and further to 19.32 percent in the first 10 months of this fiscal.

Indian Railways runs the world's second largest network under a single management with a network of 64,099 route km to ferry 18.9 million passengers on 7,000 trains daily from 6,906 stations. It also runs 4,000 freight trains to carry 850 million tonnes of cargo.

Commonwealth Games: Railways to be lead partner, special train to mark event

Railways will run a special exhibition train across the country to mark the Commonwealth Games to be held here apart from being the lead partner of the mega sporting event.

"Indian railways will be the lead partner of the Commonwealth Games being hosted by India this year. To mark this event and also to spread the message, railways proposes to start a Commonwealth Exhibition train," railway minister Mamata Banerjee said presenting the rail budget.

The Commonwealth Games will be held in the capital from October 3 to 14.

She also said five sports academies would be set up across the country to strengthen the infrastructure. The proposed locations are Delhi, Secunderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

To promote hockey, Bannerjee said it is also proposed to provide astro-turfs.

The railways will also provide increased employment opportunities for sports persons.

Daniel carries the baton

Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic chief Larry Romany has great expectations for the country in track and field, cycling and swimming at the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.

Romany was among the Olympic Committee (T&TOC) officials who attended yesterday’s cultural show at Lord Harris Square, in Port of Spain, staged to mark the T&T leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The baton contains Queen Elizabeth II’s message to the athletes, which will be removed and read at the October 3 opening ceremony. The relay, which started on October 29 last year, in England, is carrying the baton to all 71 Commonwealth nations. T&T is the 31st stop.

In June, the baton arrives in the 71st nation, India. It will be carried throughout the 2010 Commonwealth Games host country for 100 days, the journey culminating at the opening ceremony, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in New Delhi.

The entire Queen’s Baton Relay will cover more than 190,000 kilometres in 340 days.

Prior to yesterday’s cultural show, the baton was carried to the stage by 2006 Commonwealth Games men’s 50 metres pistol bronze medallist Roger Daniel.

He was accompanied by recently retired hammer thrower Candice Scott, handicapped runner Dwight Yearwood and rugby standout Jenilee Limada.

Both Romany, who is also president of the T&T Commonwealth Games Association (T&TCGA), and Indian High Commissioner to T&T, Malay Mishra, urged Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Gary Hunt to attend the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

T&T Olympic Academy Youth Campers featured prominently in yesterday’s cultural show.

The baton will be in Tobago today.

G C Chaturvedi to replace Mittal in Commonwealth Games committee

G C Chaturvedi, a 1977 batch IAS officer, will replace Sanjeev Mittal, whose services were terminated from organising committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games by its chairman, Suresh Kalmadi.

Mittal was a financial expert, reportedly appointed by the prime minister’s office. Kalmadi is said to have taken this decision after Mittal declined to clear certain financial transactions that he believed were irregular.

The Games organising committee, however, denies the association with PMO. “PMO never sent any person to the OC. It is we who ask for these officers. In the past, too, a lot of people were sent back to their cadres and this will continue in future, too,” Lalit Bhanot, spokesperson for and secretary general of the OC told Business Standard.

Though Kalmadi could not be reached for comments, Bhanot remarked: “We have many people in finance and we wanted a senior person who could handle finance and accounts. Mittal was only handling the ticketing part of finance. By the end of this week, Chaturvedi will join us.”

Bhanot added the OC had written to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for Mittal’s repatriation, without citing any reason for it.

However, an official from the sports ministry denied Mittal’s involvement in any scandal. “A letter from Kalmadi addressed to the defence secretary said Mittal’s services were no longer required by the OC and that he was being repatriated to his parent cadre — the Indian Defence Accounts Service. Mittal did finance work for the OC and had problems in adjusting in the organisation. He had adjustment problems in the outfit,” said the sports ministry official.

Sanjeev Mittal, a 1984 Indian Defence Accounts Service official, was served the letter of termination by the Games organising committee on February 19.

India vows to counter terrorist threat

India has pledged tight security for upcoming sporting events beginning at the weekend in New Delhi with the Hockey World Cup and culminating in the Commonwealth Games later this year.

But anxiety persists in the city over the possibility of trouble.

Threats from the 313 Brigade, an operational arm of al Qaeda, to wreak havoc across India - particularly when international teams are gathered in Delhi and other major cities - until the Indian Army pulled out of the northern disputed Jammu and Kashmir province, have panicked many participants and security officials.

In a message to Asia Times Online last week - shortly after the bombing of a popular eatery in India's western city of Pune in which 15 people, including some foreigners, died - 313 Brigade head Ilyas Kashmiri warned the international community not to send teams to either the Hockey World Cup, the Indian Premier League cricket (IPL) that follows next month, or the Commonwealth Games in October.

"Nor should their people visit India - if they do, they will be responsible for the consequences" the terrorist leader ominously declared, reiterating his demand for an independent Kashmir state where over 70,000 people have died in the Islamic insurgency since 1989.

Kashmiri also said that his group was seeking revenge for the demolition of a 16th century mosque in northern India by Hindu zealots in December 1992 that led to sectarian violence in which over 1000 people died, and the extended pogrom of Muslims in western Gujarat state in 2002 that claimed over 1100 lives.

But federal Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said: "We are committed to providing security to everybody, including coaches, players, officials and whosoever participates."

Federal Home Ministry sources said all 12 World Cup Hockey teams would be provided with an armed escort. Maximum security, however, would be provided to the Pakistani and Australian teams.

"The players will be given armed escorts every time they travel to the Dhyan Chand Stadium [the match venue] and back. Australia will get maximum security because of the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia. Pakistan will get adequate security as always," a senior police official said.

"We are taking the World Cup as a dry run for the Commonwealth Games. It will be a full-fledged rehearsal," Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said. It was evident that dependence was on massive force at all venues.

At the ongoing Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Delhi, security personnel with rifles outnumber the participants inside the stadium.

Scotland's Graham Rudd, taking part in the competition which is the first event in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, said he was surprised but pleased by the high level of security.

Dedicated buses, 24X7 monitoring of transport for Games athletes

Dedicated buses, GPS-based vehicles, CCTVs...Organisers of the Commonwealth Games in the Indian capital are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth and secure ride for international athletes, support staff and the media.

Right from the time they land here to the time they fly back, elaborate plans have been drawn up by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) to take care of athletes during the Oct 3-14 event.

The CGOC is leaving nothing to chance after reports from private security experts scared sportspersons from Australia, England and New Zealand, saying they would be going to India at their own risk.

Jiji Thomson, the Kerala cadre IAS officer who holds a pivotal position in the CGOC, said things have more or less fallen in place and the security agencies have an impeccable blueprint to protect athletes and officials as they move around the city.

"Keeping in mind all the concerns, everything has been planned to the minutest possible detail. After the athletes arrive at the recently renovated Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), they would be taken to the Games Village near the Akshardham temple in east Delhi through air-conditioned low-floor CNG buses," Thomson told IANS in an interview.

The security agencies, CGOC and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) would be working in close coordination at the airport and there would be a dedicated parking area for the Games vehicles at IGIA to avoid traffic glitches.

"Every bus carrying athletes would be accompanied by a well-equipped security vehicle to ensure its safety. There would be dedicated traffic lanes for the Games vehicles," Thomson said.

A transport hub is coming up near the Millennium Park for the Games vehicles and a transport mall at the Village.

"There will be a 24X7 control room manned by traffic police, DTC officials and CGOC volunteers and they will supervise all transport operations through GPS (Global Positioning System)-based vehicle tracking system. And there will also be CCTVs to aid security," he added.

There will also be dedicated buses to carry athletes and team officials to different competition and training venues and back to the Village. Their designated primary routes and secondary routes in emergency have already been identified.

"On the day of the opening and closing ceremonies, nearly 7,500 athletes and support staff would have to be transported to the Jawahalal Nehru Stadium within two to three hours. It will be a gigantic effort and it will be done without a hassle," Thomson told IANS.

Then there are plans to make over 100,000 expected tourists to the Games feel comfortable.

Over 500 buses would be pressed into service to cater to an estimated 7,500 athletes and their support staff, 1,250 technical officials and 3,000 mediapersons and broadcasters. They will all use dedicated buses.

For mediapersons, a shuttle bus service would be available from their hotels to the various venues and to the main Press Centre and the International Broadcasting Centre at Pragati Maidan.

CGOC has also earmarked hundreds of limousines, sedans, SUVs and other swanky vehicles for the Games VIPs who include senior officials of the Commonwealth Games Federation and the CGOC.

"These cars will probably be sponsored by the automobile manufacturers and we are in discussions with them," Thomson said.

The CGOC has also devised a 'Vehicle Access and Parking Permit Scheme' (VAPPS) to control all vehicle access and parking entitlement during the Commonwealth Games.

"At the end of it all, the arrangements will be to everyone's satisfaction and nothing will go wrong for want of effort," said a confident Thomson.

Shooters have already dispelled the fears, describing the security cover provided to them in two words - "best ever"! The shooters at the Commonwealth championship are impressed with the impregnable four-layer security ring the athletes will have at all the venues during the Games, starting with an outer level, then middle, then inner and finally the exclusive.

Every effort will be made to ensure a successful Games: President

President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has reinterred India’s commitment to successful conduct of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.

Addressing Parliament on the inaugural day of the budget session President said, “The country is hosting the prestigious 19th Commonwealth Games in October, 2010. Preparations for the event are at an advanced stage. Every effort will be made to ensure a befitting and successful conduct of the Games”.

The President said that facilities, like modernisation of Indira Gandhi International Airport, required for the Games, will be ready in time. “The expansion and modernisation of airports, especially the four metro airports, are progressing well. The Delhi airport project would be fully operational by July, 2010, well in time for the Commonwealth Games.”

The Games is making positive changes across Delhi and the country’s TV broadcasting will also undergo revolutionary changes. “The Commonwealth Games 2010 will be covered in High Definition format by Doordarshan for the first time,” President said.

No credible security threat to sports in India: Government

The Government of India on Monday said there was no credible threat to any sporting event in the country this year, including the XIX Commonwealth Games, and that it was taking maximum precaution to ensure foolproof security.

“At the moment, there are no credible threats to any of the sporting events in India, Union Home Secretary Mr. G K Pillai told reporters. “But, we are taking all precautions and we will continue to take maximum precautions in the coming months. All players, officials and spectators are safe in India.”

Mr. Pillai ruled out the possibility of outsourcing the Commonwealth Games security, saying India was capable of providing a safe and secure environment for the Games. “Every visitor including participants, organisers and their family members will be provided full security,” he said. “India has organised big sporting events in the past and we have been able to provide good security successfully.”

Dismissing reports of security concerns raised international media over reports quoting Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI) commander Ilyas Kashmiri's warning to sportspersons. Mr. Pillai said it was being done deliberately as there were elements who wanted to scare people.

The Home Secretary also termed as completely "false" reports that claimed that the security plan of the Commonwealth Games had been leaked. “The report is completely false. Plans are being reviewed from time to time. Operational issues are top secret. There is no question of leak of any report,” he said.

CWG projects under CVC scanner

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is examining all construction works related to Commonwealth Games (CWG) following complaints alleging large scale corruption in purchases.

Official sources said the Commission has asked all its vigilance officials posted with agencies concerned to "double check" the procedures involved in the procurment and other aspects of the projects.

The decision comes following complaints alleging discrepancies in the work being undertaken by the civic agencies like Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Development Authority and Central Public Works Development among others.

The complainants have alleged since many projects were running beyond their schedule there were chances of corruption while completing these projects on time.

"We have received some complaints regarding alleged corruption in Commonwealth Games projects. As a preventive measure, we have directed all our Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in all the departments to be cautious and ensure transparency in the process," a CVC official, who did not wish to be identified, said.

The Commission has issued a circular asking all departments and organisations to use e-tendering system and leverage technology (latest software for accounts, manpower and logistics-related work) to keep out corruption and prevent any misuse.

The probity watchdog, CVC, is mandated to advise and guide central government agencies to draft and implement different measures to check corruption in government offices, departments and Public Sector Units (PSUs).

The CVC has decided to involve non-government organisations (NGOs) to check corruption.

In its performance report for December, the CVC advised imposition of major penalty proceedings against 70 officials, including 20 of public sector banks, 17 from Railways, 11 from Northern Coalfields, four from Western Coalfields and two from Ministry of Home Affairs, among others for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices.

The CVC has disposed of 468 cases during December 2009 referred to it for advice and made recoveries to the tune of Rs 68.63 crore after conducting technical examination of certain departments.

Mock drills to prepare administration ahead of Commonwealth Games

Mock drills, training of hospital staff and volunteers and special camps are among a series of steps taken by the District Disaster Management Authority to prepare the administration and the common man to meet any emergency ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

To check response time and co-ordination among concerned players like the police, fire, health care personnel among others, the DDMA is organising mock drills at six venues of the Commonwealth Games, deputy commissioner and DDMA chairman DK Mishra said.

Moreover, officials of all these agencies are meeting at regular intervals to review the security situation in the city, Mishra said.

"On 14th February we held a mock bomb blast at Dyan Chand Stadium after informing all agencies involved to assess their response time and study what all steps needed to be taken in case of an emergency in the coming Commonwealth Games," he said.

"Also we are giving training to civil defence volunteers, various hospital personnel and school children on how to handle an emergency situation at a big event. Remember during the 26/11 attacks hospitals were one of the targets," the official said.

Speaking at an awareness function here today, senior Congress leader and MP Oscar Fernandes said technology alone cannot prevent disasters and asked people to do their part to avert both man-made and natural calamities.

"Machines and technology alone cannot do anything. People should also do their part. The citizens, especially in cities, should be told what to do in case of an emergency," he said.

Referring to the incident when a foreign player recently refused to play in the city, Fernandes asked the citizens to unite and show that Delhi is the perfect city for hosting events like Commonwealth Games.

Yesterday, the New Zealand striker Simon Child pulled out of the Hockey World Cup to be held in the city from next week, saying a thick security cover is not an ideal environment to play in.

CWG: Import duty waived for broadcast equipment

Import duty has been removed on all broadcast equipment to be imported by Prasar Bharati for the Commonwealth Games later this year.

Sources in the Finance Ministry said a notification being issued by the Department of Revenue will also cover similar exemption
for all sports goods and equipment, including fitness items.

The exemption will also be extended to arms and ammunition for shooting events and doping control equipment.Prasar Bharati is to telecast the Games in High Definition Television which will mean huge expenditure on imported equipment.

A provision of Rs 1.55 billion has been made in the Plan Allocation for the Commonwealth Games slated for late next year and programmes related to it to be undertaken by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and its media units.

Minto Bridge project to miss deadline

Lack of coordination between implementing agencies; blame game continues

The plan to add two more tracks to the historic Minto Bridge in order to widen the heritage structure and enhance inter-State connectivity before the Commonwealth Games here will now miss its deadline.

The reason being lack of coordination between the implementing agencies as well practical difficulties in execution of the project given the existing traffic chaos around Connaught Place.

The decision to widen the bridge was taken in 2003 by Northern Railway to maintain uniformity as the road width below this bridge is narrow compared to the road width on either side. According to Northern Railway, the project was to be implemented jointly by Northern Railway, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council as one side of the area falls under the MCD and the other in New Delhi Municipal Council jurisdiction.

A Northern Railway official said: “As per normal procedure, the proportionate cost of widening of the bridge is required to be shared by the MCD, the Railways and the NDMC. A sum of Rs.400 lakh was released during 2003-04 on the basic demand of the Railway authorities for the project.”

However, the MCD claims that although most part of the project remains on paper, the civic agency has already completed most work under its jurisdiction.

An MCD official said: “The MCD was supposed to construct a retaining wall on one side to widen the road falling under its jurisdiction. While the retaining wall has been constructed, we are currently shifting a pump to avoid rainwater stagnation under the bridge. The road will be widened after the pump is shifted.”

However, Northern Railway and NDMC have not carried out any work under their jurisdiction so far. The reason, according to Northern Railway, is delay in getting requisite permissions.

“If the work was to be carried out all vehicular traffic in the area would have been restricted for six months. The Delhi Police Commissioner refused to grant us permission to divert traffic saying that because of the ongoing work related to Connaught Place redevelopment and construction of subways in the area there was already enough traffic chaos,” a Northern Railway official said.

Commonwealth Games - Kalmadi fires officer appointed by PMO

Commonwealth Games (CWG) organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi has terminated the services of a financial expert appointed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The move, according to a person familiar with the developments but who did not want to be identified, came after the officer, an appointment approved by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, declined to clear certain financial transactions which he believed were irregular.

Sanjeev Mittal, a 1984 Indian Defence Accounts Service official, was served the letter of termination by the CWG organizing committee on 19 February and will return to his parent cadre in the defence ministry.

The development comes at a time when serious concerns have been expressed about the ability of the government to meet the deadline for the successful conduct of the CWG from 3-14 October.

Mittal, along with two other officers, was appointed by the cabinet secretariat in November to help expedite and oversee the process to ensure the Games are held on schedule.

Mittal confirmed that he had received a letter from Kalmadi suggesting that he should return to his parent department. “I have no idea why this has happened,” Mittal told Mint.

Kalmadi did not respond to calls made to his cellphone.

The same unnamed person added that Kalmadi wrote to the defence secretary saying that Mittal’s services were “no longer required” by the committee and that he was “repatriated”. The person added that this was prompted after Mittal declined to approve certain financial transactions.

Mittal, however, said: “I have never refused (to approve anything) but I made some observations before approving certain decisions, because the system should be proper.”

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the issue.

Mittal was expected to head the financial department of the CWG organizing committee. He had been appointed along with two other serving bureaucrats—Jiji Thomson, from the agriculture ministry, and Sudhir Mittal, who was the Punjab government’s resident commissioner in New Delhi.

According to the same person, Mittal had been part of major committees that have handled high-profile defence purchases and was, hence, competent to take a call on the transactions in question.

Mint on 5 November reported the Prime Minister’s decision to get involved in the effort to get the Capital ready for the Games, seeking to avert potential embarrassment on account of shoddy preparations for the country’s biggest sporting event in 27 years.

The appointment of the officials as well as CWG organizing committee chief executive Jarnail Singh took place after the Prime Minister’s intervention.

India Will Step Up Security at Commonwealth Games

India’s plans for the 2010 Commonwealth Games include roof-top snipers, food tasters for the athletes and their families, and the closing of schools and courts to cut traffic, officials said Monday.

“We’re quite determined to provide a safe and secure games,” Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said at a press conference in New Delhi.

A bomb blast that killed 15 people in Pune this month has heightened concerns about security in India, which is scheduled to host several international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games in October, in the coming months.

Mr. Pillai dismissed recent reports that the Commonwealth Games were being targeted particularly by terrorists. “We are aware” of these alleged threats, Mr. Pillai said, adding that they were “not credible.”

New Delhi is scheduled to host the field hockey World Cup, which will start Sunday, and an Indian Premier League cricket tournament in mid-March.

But it is the Commonwealth Games that are the greatest source of anxiety. The games will be by far the largest international sporting event ever in India, and officials want to prove that the country is capable of putting on a world-class show. About 100,000 spectators and thousands of athletes from 52 countries are expected.

The Commonwealth Games bring together teams in countries from Britain’s once-sprawling empire. So far, the run-up to the 2010 games has been marked by controversy, discord and missed construction deadlines.

On Monday, Mr. Pillai and several officials from the Home Ministry, the Ministry of Sports and Delhi’s police department detailed the stepped up security that they have planned for the Commonwealth Games. New Delhi’s plans include a 4.3-meter, or 14-foot, fence and grill around the main stadium, closed-circuit camera surveillance and a heavy presence of armed guards. In addition to a food taster, athletes and their families will protected by helicopter surveillance and snipers.

Officials have made “elaborate plans for the entire city,” the Delhi police commissioner, Y.S. Dadwal, said Monday, and they include vehicle checkpoints and stepped-up patrolling by the police.

Indian officials are working with security and intelligence experts from Australia, Britain and Canada to track terror threats ahead of the sporting events. The biggest challenge, Mr. Pillai said, is the “real lone wolf,” an unknown terrorist who acts without the support of a group.

India to receive up to 5.5 mn tourists in 2010

Hoteliers rue missed chance of marketing Commonwealth Games.

India hopes to receive up to 5.5 million tourists in 2010, the highest number in any single year. However, tour operators and hoteliers are ruing the missed chance of marketing the first Commonwealth Games in India. They complained that this number could have been higher, with the Games coming up in October.

“How often does a country get to host an event of this scale? Commonwealth Games have not been publicised well abroad. Beijing had started the publicity of the 2008 Olympics Games in 2001. We have started marketing the event only now,” said Vijay Thakur, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.

Foreign tourist arrivals rose to 491,000 in January, compared to 422,000 in the year-ago period, and part of this growth is because of a recovery in global economy. Last year, tourist arrivals in India were pretty badly hurt because of the global slowdown.

Industry officials expect no significant spurt due to the Games. Year-on-year growth in arrivals has been much higher in earlier years. In 2004, for example, foreign tourist arrivals were up by over 700,000 to touch 3.46 million.

This year, the arrivals are likely to increase by just about 200,000, based on conservative estimates, and 400,000 based on optimistic projections.

“This year should be much better than the last two years. The positive thing is that conversions (inquires to actual bookings) have improved and people are booking six months in advance, which is a new trend,” added Thakur.

INFRASTRUCTURE GAP
Hoteliers are fearing a larger influx, given the limited inventory of rooms in Delhi, and in the country. “We should have about 5.5 million foreign tourist arrivals this year due the Games. If the figure was to run into 6 million, then we don’t have the infrastructure to match that kind of demand,” said president of the Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association of India, Rajinder Kumar.

The typical peak tourist season in the country is from October to March. With the Commonwealth Games slated in the first half of October, there could be a clash with the peak season. The tourism ministry is expecting over 100,000 foreign tourists during the Games.

In fact, hotels at major tourist spots have started reporting a higher occupancy rate. “The challenge now is to increase seat capacity and rooms on offer,” Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said recently.

India promises games security

India's top interior security official on Monday promised tight security for October's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, but warned that militants could target other parts of the country.

The assurance came from Home Secretary GK Pillai just a week after a bomb in the western city of Pune underscored the challenge of securing all of the sprawling country of 1.2 billion people.

That attack, which killed 15 people and is suspected to have been carried out by home-grown Islamists, was the first major militant strike since the 2008 attacks on Mumbai.

"I can't say that somebody will not sneak in," Pillai said, "... but in Delhi he will find it extremely difficult".

Pillai's comments come after reports that Islamist militants had threatened to disrupt the Games, prompting some participating nations to question security.

Pillai ruled out any "credible threats".

Nuisance value

"They can have some nuisance value like doing something like the Pune blast... to try and scare away people. That's the primary purpose of their objective."

Pillai said the biggest danger came from a possible lone attacker rather than a co-ordinated assault by a group of militants.

"The real challenge is the lone wolf... somebody who is not known," he said.

New Delhi is also hosting the 12-team hockey World Cup from February 28 to March 13 and then gearing up for a popular Indian cricket tournament beginning the same month.

Securing these sporting events is seen as a key challenge for the Indian government amid reports that some cricketers want the tournament moved to South Africa.

No duty on sports goods imported for Commonwealth Games

The government has removed duty on all sports goods and equipment, including fitness items, to be imported by the organising committee of the Commonwealth Games 2010 and national sports federations.

The exemption from import duty has also been extended to arms and ammunition for shooting events, broadcasting equipment by Prasar Bharti and doping control equipment, the department of revenue said in a notification.

The Commonwealth Games starts in the national capital in October.

Delhi seeks Rs 2k crore in Budget

Reeling under huge cost overruns for the Commonwealth Games projects, the Delhi government has sought a special assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre in the Union Budget to meet its revenue shortfall. The Delhi government has written to the finance ministry requesting it to help tide over the situation arising out of huge spending on infrastructure development in the run-up to the mega sporting event, finance minister AK Walia said.

“We have sought over Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre in the Budget as special assistance to meet the growing expenses on account of the Games,” Walia said in an interview. The minister also forecast a financial shortfall in the next fiscal and said the government had small savings of Rs 11,000 crore which helped it to a great extent in meeting the increasing expenses on Games-related projects this year.

“The small saving fund helped us in tide over the situation. As the small saving fund is going to be exhausted soon, either we will have to increase our revenue generation or cut down on expenses,” he said. Officials in the finance department said cost-overruns of almost all the projects relating to the Games have been making a severe dent on the exchequer.

The economic slowdown also had a severe impact on its finances as the city government’s revenue generation reported a fall of over Rs 1,300 crore in tax collection last fiscal.

Delhi in my heart

Inauguration of Delhi Urban Platform, an initiative to discuss the city — its past, present and possibilities

A mood for nostalgia, a sense of intransience and a cautious sanguinity about the future encompassing Delhi the city, thickened the enclosed air of the old library at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies on Delhi's Rajpur Road this past week. Surrounded by stacks of books, the setting was faultless for a studious debate, about the city we call ours and the trajectories that it has taken over millennia to be where it is today. And to take part in it were not just a string of speakers with proficiency in history and sociology, but a lot of university students, many filling up the chairs, some taking the corners between the book shelves, some others squatting on the floor — all wide-eyed, all ears and prepared to pipe up with questions.

Ravi Sundaram, one of the heads behind this brand new initiative of CSDS named Delhi Urban Platform, gave a spin to its inaugural meeting by stating, “There are a lot of unanswered questions about what kind of a city Delhi is today?” With the Commonwealth Games looming over Delhi, and bringing along with it many physical changes to the city considered sleepy till late, it is time, he insists, there should be a debate involving not just scholars and students, but individuals from different walks of life on the past, present and the possibilities of it.

“There is a lot of instability about Delhi's future, which is actually an asset,” for it gives people space to deliberate on which way the city should drift, he said, calling for “a critique of possibilities of Delhi” via DUF.

Narayani Gupta, a seasoned historian and part of the Conservation Society of India, pointed out how many people were as worried about Delhi during the Asiad as “you all are before the Commonwealth Games.” She also noted some of the fall-outs of the Asiad Games, “like the jhuggi-jhopri colonies” and also constructive initiatives “like INTACH”. She called attention of those assembled on the increasing trend of shutting off public spaces for people's use. “For instance, there is a park east of Red Fort called Delhi Chalo Park. Unfortunately, you can't ‘chalo' there as it is closed for public use, then there is the case of ice-cream vendors who are being moved away from India Gate. So many people go there for that experience.”

Nostalgia

Yet another speaker, well-known sociologist Amita Baviskar marvellously weaved in whiffs of nostalgia by talking about the city “in our memories” and the changes borne by Delhi in the process of “seeking a world class status.” She brilliantly touched upon life — then and now, “between the Ridge and the river”, “the air of rundown-ness about Delhi the Sarkari city of the 1980s”.

The event, divided into two sessions, also featured speakers like Awadhendra Saran, AGK Menon and Gautam Bhan. Among other interesting thoughts and questions that floated about the vibrant discussion was “thinking about what we should preserve and what to let go” about the city, and also how Delhi, unlike present-day Mumbai, doesn't have a brigade of assertive locals. To Sundaram's credit, he responded to it by saying, “There is still a lot of hate against Muslims in the city, it is still very difficult to find a house for a Muslim tenant.” Though there was no mention of the growing prejudice against the northeasterners in the city, one hoped DUF takes it up too in one of its deliberations.

Haryana to provide additional 6,644 rooms during CWG

The Haryana Government will provide additional 6,644 rooms during the Commonwealth Games to be held in the national capital this year.

Besides this, the rooms and infrastructure of Haryana Tourism complexes are also being upgraded to meet the requirement of Commonwealth Games, an official release said here today.

A number of steps has been taken by the State Tourism Department to provide all basic facilities to the players and visitors during the upcoming event.

Earlier, Haryana Tourism had introduced online room booking system at the important tourist complexes run by the Department.

DU plans 2-day sport event for disabled

Before the participants of the Commonwealth Games take over the grounds of Delhi University in a few months, some really 'special' players are coming to show the true sportsman spirit on the campus. Their limitations notwithstanding, the disabled students from various colleges of DU will come together for a first-of-its-kind sports meet in DU on March 6 and 7.

"We have a lot of differently-abled students who are good in sports. In fact, we even have a football team of visually-impaired students from different colleges. The team recently won a trophy in a tournament organised by the Blind Relief Association," said Dr Chandra Nisha Singh, officer on special duty, Equal Opportunity Cell. The cell is organising the two-day event.

"Similarly, we have a number of students interested in athletics. There is a great enthusiasm among the differently-abled students for sports. So we want to encourage them to come out through such a sports meet."
EOC has planned to hold events like Javelin Throw, Short Put and races of all kinds besides a chess tournament at Shri Ram College of Commerce which will be held on February 27 and 28.

The sports meet is one of the several initiatives taken up by the EOC to give a level playing field to the differently-abled students on the campus. "We have given a free choice to the students in the games. They can participate in any sport available. There will be no trials or any selection process," Singh said.

According to the EOC, there won't be any special training before the games for the differently-abled students willing to participate. "Most of the students have sports coaches or special trainers in their respective colleges. But even if a student runs for the first time, we will be happy to have him," Singh added.

Traffic cops finalize Commonwealth Game plan

The ongoing fiasco on the Delhi-Faridabad routes, where lakhs of Delhiites got stuck in endless traffic jams after a Surajkund Road, a vital link between the two towns, was unceremoniously shut off as part of security arrangements for Commonwealth shooting event has left people wondering what's in store for them when the actual Games happen in the city in October this year. With multiple events taking place in several parts of the city for 11 days, and traffic volumes remaining the same, the traffic police say they have a "challenging" job at their hands.

The solution to the mess, Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS), is also not going to take off by October as the tender process has been delayed. The cops say they have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure that the Commonwealth Games pass off well. "What is seen as Surajkund Road was a venue-specific problem. The access road to the shooting range is very narrow and the alternative routes are choked due to construction. The traffic plans for the Commonwealth Games have been finalized and several measures are being undertaken to ensure there is no inconvenience," said a senior traffic police official. Times City finds out how.

Improved road capacity and infrastructure upgradation

All the ongoing construction activity in the capital is going to end by September. Of this, a large number of projects will be completed in the next four months including flyovers, streetscaping of roads, Metro lines, work on stadiums and approach roads. With this, a lot of additional road space will be available for flow of traffic and the new projects will ease congestion at several points as the flyovers, underpasses, Metro lines, footpaths, foot overbridges will be available for use.

Scientific Transport Plan

The traffic police are mapping out the movement of each and every guest, including athletes and their kin, delegates, officials and media from the time they arrive at the Delhi airport till their departure. Movement of people has been planned to the minutest detail including maps on routes taken with exact timings of movement and modes of commute. Officials say the plans have been drafted for all stadiums, training venues, Games village, airport and even hotels. Everything will be rehearsed once the construction of the venues is complete.

Dedicated Games Lanes

While the Games are on, no road will be completely blocked off for general traffic. The situation on Surajkund Road is an exception as the stretch is very narrow and there isn't scope for a Games lane and a normal traffic lane. In October, on about 220 km of roads which will be used by those headed for different events, one lane of road space will be reserved exclusively for Games traffic. But officials said the curbs will be enforced only at the time when some movement is planned on these routes. At all times, general traffic will be permitted.

Traffic-calming measures

From October 3 to 14, when the games are on, Delhi government is planning to shut schools and colleges and are also writing to corporate houses to allow flexible work timimgs for employees to contain vehicular congestion on the roads. Government offices will also reportedly be instructed to restrict work hours in accordance to the events in the city. The idea is to have less congestion on the roads, especially those around Games venues, during peak office hours.

Public transport

With more buses being acquired and the Delhi Metro network being expanded to thrice its present capacity in the next few months, the government and traffic police is going to promote use of public transport in a big way for the Games. Wherever possible, spectators to events will be given incentive to use Delhi Metro or buses. Park and ride facilities are being created around all venues to restrict movement of vehicles too close to the venues.

Strict enforcement of traffic rules

The traffic police are going to step up prosecution and enforce traffic rules stringently during the Commonwealth Games. There will be a zero tolerance for offences like unauthorized parking, red light jumping, Games lane and stop line violation. The entire force of the traffic police along with traffic patrol motorcycles and PCR vans will be deployed on arterial roads at all times to check violators.

Additional manpower & modernization

The traffic police strength is expected to touch an all-time high before the Commonwealth Games as a major share of the total recruits in Delhi Police is coming to the traffic wing. The staff has been recruited and presently undergoing training. In addition, devices like cameras to monitor traffic movement, more cranes and clamps, Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, GPS etc are being acquired for more effective enforcement.

India on top with 19 medals at Commonwealth Shooting

Indian shooters continued their brilliant form in the Commonwealth Shooting Championships by sweeping three of the four gold medals on offer on the third day of the competition at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range here Sunday.

India's 2006 Commonwealth Games hero Samresh Jung teamed up with Zakir Khan to bag the gold in the men's 10m air pistol badge and pairs event. The Indian duo had a combined score of 1158 and both marksmen had identical scores of 579.

The silver went to the English pair of Michael Gault (571) and Nick Baxter (566), who aggregated 1137, while Australia's Christopher Roberts (568) and Alfio Casagrande (559) took the bronze medal with a total of 1127.

In the men's 25-metre rapid fire pistol badge and pairs, India made a clean sweep of all the medals with Vijay Kumar (588) bagging the gold while Gurpreet Singh (576) and Pemba Tamang (564) won the silver and bronze medals respectively.

The third gold of the day came from Meena Kumar (671.9) in the women's 50m rifle 3-position event while the silver went to Lajja Gauswami (670.7). England's Sharon Lee (666.8) had to remain content with the bronze medal.

Indians Mohammed Ashab and Vikram Bhatnagar bagged the silver and bronze in the men's double trap while the gold went to Englishman Steven Scott.

India now stand atop the medals table with nine golds, six silvers and four bronze medals. England are second with eight medals (2 golds, 3 silvers and 3 bronzes) followed by Scotland at third position with one gold medal.

Threat is real, safety not guaranteed, players told

ON THE day the Australian men's hockey team flew out for India, Australia's sizeable contingent of Indian Premier League cricketers were left to contemplate the toughest decision of their careers after a report warned that their safety at next month's cricket tournament could not be guaranteed.

The highly anticipated report, by security consultant Reg Dickason and commissioned by the Australian, English and South African players' unions, landed yesterday in the inbox of Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Paul Marsh.

It is understood it warns that the threats made last week by al-Qaeda militant Ilyas Kashmiri against the IPL, as well as the hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, are credible and that cricketers' safety cannot be assured.

The recommendations by Dickason are expected to form the basis of the players' union advice to Australia's players and coaching and support staff involved in the IPL, which begins on March 12, as the competition is not under Cricket Australia jurisdiction.

But Marsh was last night unable to say whether the union would advise players to withdraw from the Twenty20 tournament. ''We're not in a position to talk about it right now,'' Marsh said. ''I've just received it and I'm working my way through it.''

Dickason, who was due to fly with the England team from the United Arab Emirates to Bangladesh yesterday after being hired to oversee security for that tour, was unavailable for comment.

His report, which could prompt a mass withdrawal of players this week from the IPL, arrived as the Australian men's hockey team boarded a plane in Perth yesterday bound for Delhi.

It came only a day after it was revealed that security plans for the Commonwealth Games in October had been stolen.

Tennis Australia had commissioned two security firms to assess the risk of its players competing in the tie in Chennai and cited the stolen plans as justification for its decision to forfeit a Davis Cup tie with India in May last year.

The Tennis Australia report, drawing on information from ''other security organisations with strong ties to the Chennai region'', does not specify who stole the Commonwealth Games blueprints but a source said: ''It forced the organisers to rejig the whole security plans for the Games.''

Hockey Australia yesterday gave the green light to the Kookaburras' participation in the World Cup, which starts next Sunday, after receiving advice from sources including the Australian High Commission and the Foreign Affairs department, that the al-Qaeda threat on the 10-nation tournament was not credible and that security arrangements were sufficient.

Security service company ATMAAC International, which will accompany the Kookaburras for the two-week competition, also said it would be safe for the team to travel.

Delhi police say a security force of 17,000 will oversee the event, as well as 1000 paramilitary personnel and 200 commandos positioned on rooftops of buildings.

''The information from all sources is consistent,'' said Hockey Australia yesterday. ''The advice states that there is a strong commitment and tangible evidence of the authorities' ability to implement robust security measures to ensure our team's safety at all times.

''All threats have been assessed and there are no known credible World Cup threats at this time.''

While the Hockey World Cup is poised to go ahead without a withdrawal, the IPL could be stripped of many of its players if they heed the recommendations in Dickason's report.

Tim May, the head of world cricketers' union FICA, forecast IPL withdrawals even before the Dickason report went to union chiefs.