The hectic construction activity also means that a lot of migrant labour comes into the city which eventually stays on as they find employment here. This leads to 'crowding'.
With just six months to go for the Commonwealth Games, the World Health Organisation (WHO) feels that the hectic construction activity was affecting the general health of the capital.
"Infrastructure building means dust in the air which is not healthy," a senior official of the WHO said here.
The hectic construction activity also means that a lot of migrant labour comes into the city which eventually stays on as they find employment here. This leads to "crowding".
But, the government never makes any plans for the poor, said A K Sengupta, WHO National Professional officer for sustainable development and healthy environment.
Giving the example of the Asiad 82 Games, he said, even during those games huge slums like the Sanjay Basti had come up in the vicinity of the Games Village.
"A similar situation might be repeated in the Commonwealth Games also," Sengupta said at a function marking the World Health Day, the WHO theme for which is Urban Health this year.
Asked if the WHO was rendering any kind of help to the Delhi Government in making the Games healthier, he said, "we have sent them so many plans. If they ask us again, we will work with them and provide a policy paper on this".
However, he said, "the government is not serious about the health of cities in India".
The official, however, added that the building activity will also in the long run provide succour to the people.
For example, the building of flyovers will eventually mean less consumption of fuel. "These are some of the aspects which have to be taken in to consideration," Sengupta said.
According to rough estimates, he said, the total urban population will reach to 41% from the current 28%.
According to Samlee Plianbangchang, regional director of the WHO-South East Asia Regional Office, urbanisation is one of the major threats to the health in the 21st century.
"Closing the urban equity gap and promoting healthy cities requires urgent actions including the efforts of both rich and poor urban dwellers," he said.
"We know that the Delhi environment is not healthy, but it can be made healthier," he said.
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