Rs 2105 crore for Commonwealth projects

Racing against time to complete the Commonwealth Games projects, the Delhi government today increased the budget allocation by over Rs 900 crores for the puprose.

The fund, which rose to Rs 2,105 crore in this year's budget as against Rs 1,189 crore last year, include Rs 1,000 crore additional central assistance, finance minister AK Walia today said in the assembly while presenting the budget.

The city government had earmarked Rs 461 crore for the purpose in 2007-08.

The money would be spent for targeted implementation of all projects related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games, he said. These projects include construction of Tyagaraja Sports Complex, renovation and expansion of Chhatrasal, Talkatora and Shivaji Stadia and construction of a Training Indoor Stadium at Ludlo Castle.

The Delhi Jal Board will complete the construction of water treatment plant and sewage treatment plant at Commonwealth Games Village, he said.

The health department will set up a polyclinic at the Games Village. It will also establish medical centres in each venue and training centre. Besides, special units will be set up in various hospitals for the healthcare of participants.

The IT department will commission a dedicated secure communication network system for the games, Walia said.

The government has appointed consultants to suggest and design the landscapes around the games venues and intersections on all major roads connecting the venues.

The government will also construct eight flyovers and 23 road over-bridges or road under-bridges before the Commonwealth Games. New parking sites will be constructed while street lighting will get a makeover, Walia said.

Earlier, Union sports minister MS Gill had expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Commonwealth Games projects.