CWG balloon show at opening ceremony to cost Rs 70cr

With the much-discussed aerostat or balloon show for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games likely to be tested in the next couple of days, the entire cost of the eyeball-catching spectacle will be around Rs 70 crore.

Though the aerostat contracted from a UK-based company has been billed at Rs 40 crore, the costs do not include the winches needed to set it up or the projectors that will beam light onto the balloon at the opening gala. The device is being laid out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in preparation for trials as officials hope for a clear day or two.

The paraphernalia accompanying the aerostat has added significantly to the costs as the equipment is not easily available since it is meant for specialized use. The platform from where the show is to be mounted is being tested and the tether and winch system, overlay software, helium trailers and generators have to be in place that are consequently pushing up the actual deployment costs.

While a trial run for the balloon show is a high-profile part of the Games projects that are being tested, delays in venue preparations continue to bother officials, who have been deputed to ensure the work is completed in time. The Games village has towers that are still unfinished with equipment and furnishings to be put in place while the swimming pool at the main athletes' residence is reportedly still not ready for use.

While digital cabling at venues is being reviewed closely at virtually every meeting convened by the cabinet secretary, the approaches to the venues are a problem as construction debris has to be cleared. But rains over the weekend and on Monday as well have led to pools of stagnant water outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The effect of incessant rain on outdoor venues like archery or some shooting events has to be assessed as well.

The government has been hoping for clear weather for four to five days to speedily remove debris, which has not happened so far.

Officials are also worried about the road projects that have been carried out in the past few months and are still underway. The combined effect of the rains and the haste with which work is being done might see the surfaces being eroded and roads cracking or sinking ahead of the Games.