Noble just for hope, So is New Delhi high on hope

By Neyaz Farooquee

New Delhi took a sigh of relief last week when visiting Commonwealth Organising Committee put their stamp of approval over the ongoing preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2010. With scepticism all around, including CWGs Federation president Michael Fennel voicing concern, and given the efficacy and reputation of New Delhi in question, CWG organising Committee’s approval is bound to have its repercussions well beyond CWGs.

While, it can be said that construction of venues and other infrastructural facilities are well on its pace, there is hardly any preparation visible for security and safety of CWGs that is a matter of concern. Just assurances by different ministries are not enough, the highest authorities concerned should lead the way to synchronise a bit too many stakeholders, like Home Ministry, Police Department, Intelligence wings, and different committees.

Out of 12,500 police personnel approved by the Centre, Delhi police plans to recruit almost 6,500 by the end of this year, with less than just one year to go. How early or late this exercise would be is to be contemplated later.

The decision to install CCTVs at only 58 market locations need to be accelerated to examine its adequacy and efficiency well in advance for a vast city like Delhi.

Claim by the Delhi Govt for smooth traffic for Games, keeping in mind the exponential growth of traffic in the city, is well-found, if not extraordinary, but for pedestrians it’s just not enough. New DTC buses, if all plied on road before CWGs, as planned, is bound to change the face of the city along with the world class Metro Rail. And in this case, Delhi seems well on course.

Other smaller concerns, India hopes, Delhi would sort out soon. Yes, Obama won Nobel just for hope, so Indian citizens too hopes for a noble, systemised, secure and entertaining Commonwealth Games. Good luck India!