Watching the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India

Children peer through a gate to watch the inauguration of the Thyagraj Stadium for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India. The stadium, which has been touted as the first green stadium in the country, will also be the first government building to use a gas-based turbine for its power needs, according to a national daily.

India’s first eco-friendly Thyagaraj stadium inaugurated

India's first eco-friendly sports complex Thyagaraj stadium, which will be the venue for Netball competition of the upcoming Commonwealth Games here, was today inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Built over an area of 16,000 square metres, the Thyagaraj Stadium has been built with the latest green building technologies and eco-friendly material.

"This is our first green stadium and it is the only one which has been constructed right from the scratch with Commonwealth Games in mind. Other stadiums are just being upgraded," Dikshit said speaking on the occasion.

The stadium would soon be equipped with a gas panel for energy supply. Currently solar energy is being used for lighting purposes.

The stadium features effective water management systems such as rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment with two lakh litres a day capacity.

Sports Minister MS Gill, who was also present at the function said the stadium is set to become "pride of Delhi"

"There is no doubt that it is one of the finest multi-purpose stadium in the world".

"I have been to a lot of places like Sydney, Beijing and London and seen their infrastructure. I will say, our stadium is incomparable and it is not an exaggeration," he added.

"Even after the CWG is over, this stadium can be used to host badminton, Table Tennis, basketball tournaments. We have spent enough money and I am confident of hosting a world class Games this year," he said.

Dikshit also said the projects due for the Games would be completed on time.

"Let me assure all of you that all the projects would be completed on time. Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind. The Games would be successful".

The sports complex has a parking for 450 vehicles. The multi-purpose Air Conditioned Indoor stadium has a seating capacity of 5,823. The stadium has been built at a cost of Rs 297 crore.

The stadium would be handed over to the education department after the games are over, Dikshit said.

Sports Minister Gill inspects Commonwealth Games stadium

Sports Minister M S Gill on Friday inspected the under-construction Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium here, which will act as the main venue for the 'Commonwealth Games 2010'.

Gill said he had asked the engineers to see that labour is treated properly at the construction site.

Central Public Works Department (CPWD) officials briefed Gill about ongoing civil and electrical works in the complex comprising the main stadium, weightlifting and lawn bowling arenas.

The stadium will host the opening and the closing ceremonies of the Games.

Nehru stadium to be ready by June: Gill

Sports Minister M S Gill today said the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, which is to stage the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games, will be ready by June.

Gill expressed his satisfaction after he inspected the 27-year-old Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium and which is under reconstruction.

''I am satisfied that the work is going smoothly, and there are no technical difficulties being faced. I have urged all involved, to complete the stadium, in early June. I have also directed the engineers to ensure, that the labour working with such dedication, are paid their full wages, and treated properly, by the ontractors,'' Gill said after the inspection.

The venue is way behind the schedule and the delay is primarily because of a 150-metre-long tunnel which is being constructed to connect the two ends of the stadium. The tunnel, which will open up at the centre, will be used by the performers to enter the ground during the ceremonies. Gill also had a detailed discussion with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) engineers and contractors about the status of ongoing civil and electrical works in the complex.

He also inspected the roof work which is still under construction and said, ''I made a detailed inspection, followed by a discussion with the engineers and the contractors involved in the complex task of lifting the roof, and the other heavy fittings.''