Delhi 2010

[Arush Mittal]

Um, where in the actual article does anyone say that there is "Fool proof security for the games", aside from the screaming headlines without any further attribution?

Meanwhile, as terrorists posture and threaten on the subcontinent here's what one of our leading security experts says:

Australia must heed threats: expert

3rd Paragraph:

'During a meeting with an Australian delegation, Khanna (Lt. Gov. of Delhi Tejinder Khannna) said foolproof security measures will be put in place ahead of the event that will see participation from athletes and officials from various countries.'

Try some 'heed'ful reading.

[Sir Rols]

I'm, sure it will be VERY tight, very stringent security. But foolproof? I don't think any country in the world can guarantee that. Especially for an event as open as an inernational games.

And one problem is, the more stringent the games security measures, the less scope there is for athletes and spectators relax and enjoy proceedings in a comfortable, open environment. I'm sure India can make security as near foolproof as it can get, along with the help of the likes of Scotland Yard the Australian Federal Police or the RCMP. But will it turn the games into more of an arkmed camp than joyful sporting event - the "Friendly Games".

Edited February 18, 2010 by Sir Roltel

[Arush Mittal]

I'm, sure it will be VERY tight, very stringent security. But foolproof? I don't think any country in the world can guarantee that. Especially for an event as open as an international games.

And one problem is, the more stringent the games security measures, the less scope there is for athletes and spectators relax and enjoy proceedings in a comfortable, open environment. I'm sure India can make security as near foolproof as it can get, along with the help of the likes of Scotland Yard the Australian Federal Police or the RCMP. But will it turn the games into more of an arkmed camp than joyful sporting event - the "Friendly Games".

I don't agree. Any country can guarantee 'foolproof' security, provided they have one of the best intelligence agencies in working. The fact is there's a very minute difference between having a 'stringent' security and 'foolproof' security.

'Stringent' security would be rigorous, like tourists aren't allowed to stroll in city streets or market places, athletes aren't allowed to get out of there hotel rooms before and after their respective competitions. Officials are asked not to leave their premises, without a compulsive request from the concerned authorities.

The same happened in Beijing Olympics, where high rise walls were constructed to obscure slums within the city.

Delhi officials, while on their visit to Beijing were not permitted to visit any other place, other than the games venues. Perhaps, not a very good way of carrying the biggest show on Earth. But still people enjoyed, and were happy with the games and China, as a whole.

The point is, adjectives like 'foolproof' and 'unfailing' have to be used by the Govt. officials on repeated questioning of the media personnel, and international games related agencies. This is where the role of 'intelligence' comes in act, any activity that can be termed as a 'terrorist attack' is bound to have a planning, and intelligence has to intrude into the contrived attack, before it is put into action.

Regular security measures are always in place, in mega-events like the CWGs, but the security agencies (like ATS, RAW, IB, DIA), to name a few, has a pre-channeled way of countering and checking any activity that can destabilize the event(without interfering with joys,as termed above, of the sporting event). Hence, only assurances can be given, at the moment, and being an Indian I firmly believe that World will definitely appreciate the preparations made for the 19th Commonwealth Games Delhi. Because for us 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.

[Arush Mittal]

Indian Express

[Arush Mittal]

The ongoing fiasco on the Delhi-Faridabad routes, where lakhs of Delhiites got stuck in endless traffic jams after a Surajkund Road, a vital link between the two towns, was unceremoniously shut off as part of security arrangements for Commonwealth shooting event has left people wondering what's in store for them when the actual Games happen in the city in October this year. With multiple events taking place in several parts of the city for 11 days, and traffic volumes remaining the same, the traffic police say they have a "challenging" job at their hands.

The solution to the mess, Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS), is also not going to take off by October as the tender process has been delayed. The cops say they have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure that the Commonwealth Games pass off well. "What is seen as Surajkund Road was a venue-specific problem. The access road to the shooting range is very narrow and the alternative routes are choked due to construction. The traffic plans for the Commonwealth Games have been finalized and several measures are being undertaken to ensure there is no inconvenience," said a senior traffic police official. Times City finds out how.

Improved road capacity and infrastructure upgradation

All the ongoing construction activity in the capital is going to end by September. Of this, a large number of projects will be completed in the next four months including flyovers, streetscaping of roads, Metro lines, work on stadiums and approach roads. With this, a lot of additional road space will be available for flow of traffic and the new projects will ease congestion at several points as the flyovers, underpasses, Metro lines, footpaths, foot overbridges will be available for use.

Scientific Transport Plan

The traffic police are mapping out the movement of each and every guest, including athletes and their kin, delegates, officials and media from the time they arrive at the Delhi airport till their departure. Movement of people has been planned to the minutest detail including maps on routes taken with exact timings of movement and modes of commute. Officials say the plans have been drafted for all stadiums, training venues, Games village, airport and even hotels. Everything will be rehearsed once the construction of the venues is complete.

Dedicated Games Lanes

While the Games are on, no road will be completely blocked off for general traffic. The situation on Surajkund Road is an exception as the stretch is very narrow and there isn't scope for a Games lane and a normal traffic lane. In October, on about 220 km of roads which will be used by those headed for different events, one lane of road space will be reserved exclusively for Games traffic. But officials said the curbs will be enforced only at the time when some movement is planned on these routes. At all times, general traffic will be permitted.

Traffic-calming measures

From October 3 to 14, when the games are on, Delhi government is planning to shut schools and colleges and are also writing to corporate houses to allow flexible work timimgs for employees to contain vehicular congestion on the roads. Government offices will also reportedly be instructed to restrict work hours in accordance to the events in the city. The idea is to have less congestion on the roads, especially those around Games venues, during peak office hours.

Public transport

With more buses being acquired and the Delhi Metro network being expanded to thrice its present capacity in the next few months, the government and traffic police is going to promote use of public transport in a big way for the Games. Wherever possible, spectators to events will be given incentive to use Delhi Metro or buses. Park and ride facilities are being created around all venues to restrict movement of vehicles too close to the venues.

Strict enforcement of traffic rules

The traffic police are going to step up prosecution and enforce traffic rules stringently during the Commonwealth Games. There will be a zero tolerance for offences like unauthorized parking, red light jumping, Games lane and stop line violation. The entire force of the traffic police along with traffic patrol motorcycles and PCR vans will be deployed on arterial roads at all times to check violators.

Additional manpower & modernization

The traffic police strength is expected to touch an all-time high before the Commonwealth Games as a major share of the total recruits in Delhi Police is coming to the traffic wing. The staff has been recruited and presently undergoing training. In addition, devices like cameras to monitor traffic movement, more cranes and clamps, Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, GPS etc are being acquired for more effective enforcement.

Times Of India

[Arush Mittal]

Hindustan Times

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A couple of pictures of the boxing venue:

[Arush Mittal]

Date:

Fri, 26 Feb 2010

NEW DELHI: India is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to security at the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, scheduled to begin on October 3. It is pulling out all stops to ensure that its agencies talk to each other without any call drops, hiccups or breach of confidentiality by deploying a dedicated radio network based on the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) technology.

According to a report in the Business Standard, as many as 18 government agencies, including police, fire services, hospitals, public works department and the Delhi Transport Corporation are being linked seamlessly on the Rs 100 crore Government Radio Network (GRN). It will cover the entire metropolitan area of India’s capital, including transportation networks such as Delhi Metro and New Delhi Airport Terminal-II.

Being installed by HCL Infosystems and Motorola, the network for the Commonwealth Games has been designed to minimise the reaction time in the toughest of situations, ensuring minimal call drops and encrypted communication to maintain the highest levels of security in all eventualities -- natural calamity, security breach, medical situation or terrorist threat.

Such technologies are available world over — the UK has deployed it, and so has the US and a host of European countries. Closer home, the technology has been used by the Indian Army as well as the Kerala police force. In India, the department of telecommunications has given the Delhi government permission to use TETRA.

Source: TETRA technology to ensure seamless security network

[Arush Mittal]

Delhi Metro online, like New York subway

Source: hindustantimes.com

[Arush Mittal]

UK students to work at XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi as volunteers

New Delhi, 9 March 2010: The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi and Sheffield Hallam University have today signed an exclusive agreement for 30 student volunteers to work at the Games from October 3-14 in the Press Operations functional area. These students will be selected from Sheffield Hallam University's media and journalism courses and will be part of the pool of 30,000 volunteers for D2010.

The agreement follows the success of a similar project at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when Sheffield Hallam students worked with the press team and were the only Europeans among 16000 volunteers. Sheffield Hallam is also working in partnership with the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP and Chairman, Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi said that OC CWG Delhi 2010 is planning a state-of-the-art Main Press Centre and International Broadcasting Centre and other facilities for more than 5,000 media representatives. The students of journalism from Sheffield Hallam will get a great opportunity to contribute to the D 2010 press operations team. “The volunteers are going to be the face of the Games and we welcome the Sheffield Hallam volunteers to the Organising Committee’s fold. We hope they will enjoy the experience of working at the Games in Delhi and contribute to its success.”

Sheffield Hallam University Vice Chancellor Professor Philip Jones thanked the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi for this exclusive opportunity to work with the Games. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and we would like to thank Mr. Kalmadi, Chairman OC CWG Delhi 2010 for giving us this opportunity.”

“Sheffield Hallam was the UK’s first designated “City of Sport” and has a world-class reputation for its commitment to sports, which is demonstrated through the sports facilities in the city, backed by teaching, research and medical support at the university. We are delighted to be able to showcase our ability at such a significant and important sporting event as the Delhi Commonwealth Games,” said Jones. He added that "not only will the students benefit from working on an internationally prestigious project but they will also have the opportunity to work in an international setting, which will help them to prepare for working in a global environment when they graduate.”

Source

[mattygs]

Opening to celebrate Indian Culture - not all Bollywood

And article mentioning a few of the others involved in the ceremonies of the Delhi Games, and also saying that it would not have the same Bollywood influence as the Melbourne handover.

Seems like there will be a huge cast.

And again, mentioning that Ric Birch and Mark Fisher are their international advisors. At least that means there could be some impressive staging with MF on board.

[Arush Mittal]

Opening to celebrate Indian Culture - not all Bollywood

And article mentioning a few of the others involved in the ceremonies of the Delhi Games, and also saying that it would not have the same Bollywood influence as the Melbourne handover.

Seems like there will be a huge cast.

And again, mentioning that Ric Birch and Mark Fisher are their international advisors. At least that means there could be some impressive staging with MF on board.

I agree with you completely, India has a lot more than just bollywood divas and their dance, to showcase in this kind of sporting extravaganza. Believe me, with BharatBala Productions as incharge of both opening and closing ceremonies, this is for sure going to be huge!

[Arush Mittal]

Indian Express

I would love to have some comments on this.

[Arush Mittal]

JLNS Stadium(Latest Update):

Roof is coming up.

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Weightlifting Venue:

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S.P. Mukherjee Aquatic Center:

Glass facade is coming on.

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Source

[baron-pierreIV]

Indian Express

I would love to have some comments on this.

Oh yeah, an aerostat hovering over the stadium. Pretty enticing for terrorists. BLACK SUNDAY anyone??

[Rafa]

I applaud Delhi for the increase pace and the new venues that have opened but its difficult to be optimistic 5 months before the Games when the roof sheeting is still going up at some venues, while the roof fabric of the main stadium has not been installed yet.

[Brekkie Boy]

Hopefully the seemingly successful Hockey World Cup has settled some nerves about the games - but as I've said before I think now regardless of how successful the games are in October, the damage has been done by the uncertainty in the lead up to them.

As for the Aerostat debate - don't quite get exactly what it is, but surely it's no more of a luxury than say fireworks. If the organizing committee has budgeted for it why not!

[Arush Mittal]

but as I've said before I think now regardless of how successful the games are in October, the damage has been done by the uncertainty in the lead up to them.

Can you please put some light on the 'damage' remark?

[Brekkie Boy]

Well I think it's obvious really but everything from athletes/nations pulling out or apparently threatening to pull out to the lack of interest in broadcasting the games as a result, and I guess it's also affected sponsorship too. Alot of it completely unfounded, but unfortunately these concerns could write off Delhi's games before they even begin.

[Arush Mittal]

I beg to differ with Brekkie Boy.

Keeping in context whatever you said in the last post, the damage was actually done on the date Delhi made a bid for the 19th Commonwealth Games.

Honestly, Commonwealth Games are not much of a hype around the globe. 71 nations out of which, few are the ones people haven't heard of even (to be very frank) participate in the games. And that too just for the sake, that they were ruled over by the British Empire, and now stand among other Commonwealth Nations for the promotion of democracy, free trade, human rights, world peace and things alike.

People should actually know the real motive behind the games, if any athlete from Jamaica do not wish to participate, or any country is concerned for the safety of her athletes and officials during the games, and 'threaten' to pull out, despite the repeated assurances, it surely is a setback, but not a damage.

As far as the sponsors are concerned, still 201 days are in hand, it makes around 4824 hours, venue completion, and test events would help get their attention, and funds will be splurged into the games.

PS: 19th CWG has Asia's largest two-wheeler manufacturing company, as its sponsor.

[Arush Mittal]

I applaud Delhi for the increase pace and the new venues that have opened but its difficult to be optimistic 5 months before the Games when the roof sheeting is still going up at some venues, while the roof fabric of the main stadium has not been installed yet.

Another reason for you and everyone here in this forum to applaud, the roof fabric is coming on in the main stadium.

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Source

[Arush Mittal]

England to send larger team to Delhi 2010 than Melbourne

Date:

Wed, 17 Mar 2010

LONDON: There is no doubt that England will send a full team to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, England’s Chef de Mission for Delhi 2010 Mr. Craig Hunter has said after an exhaustive nine-day visit to the Indian capital. “England will categorically be sending a team to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later this year,” he said.

According to a report on the official website of Commonwealth Games England, it will be taking a team of 560, more than its squad for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in 2006, to compete across the 17 sports.

Mr. Hunter and a five-member delegation that included Commonwealth Games England Chairman Sir Andrew Foster and Chief Executive Ms. Ann Hogbin, visited every competition venue, while also observing the FIH World Cup and tests events in archery and boxing. “Having seen every competition site, we believe it will all be ready,” Mr. Hunter said.

“We have built up a great working relationship with the Indians, and there’s no doubt that they will stage a unique Games – as different from Melbourne as Melbourne was from Manchester. And that’s one of the outstanding features of visiting different countries and cultures for events such as this,” he said.

Mr. Hunter spoke of how his team had noticed massive progress since October. “It was clear from the quality of the presentations that were made to us in various seminars we attended that there’s a lot of joined-up thinking going on, so that related issues between the Village, catering and transport are all being addressed,” he said.

He dismissed earlier reports that security concerns would force England to fail to send a team to the Commonwealth Games for the first time. “There’s no doubt that there are lots of athletes who see Delhi as a vital developmental stepping stone towards the 2012 Olympics in London and they are very keen to be in the team,” Mr. Hunter said.

“Let’s wait and see who decides to go and who doesn’t when the time comes,” Mr. Hunter said. “Commonwealth Games England President Dame Kelly Holmes talks about one year when she came back after an injury and competed at the Commonwealth Games and it saved her career, and of course she went on to win double Olympic gold. She says, ‘Never say never’.

“So we’ll see who goes. Of course, individuals will be able to decide if they wish to go, for whatever reason, and we will respect personal choices. But the competitions out there will be very important for many athletes keen to get experience in a multi-sport Games ahead of 2012.”

Source: England to send larger team to Delhi 2010 than Melbourne

[Brekkie Boy]

That's a huge weight of Delhi's shoulders. Have Australia publicly committed to sending a team yet, or are there still some doubts there?

[Arush Mittal]

That's a huge weight of Delhi's shoulders. Have Australia publicly committed to sending a team yet, or are there still some doubts there?

I found something on web that might help understand the concerns more better.

Athletes 'not afraid', says boss

DAN SILKSTONE

March 17, 2010

AUSTRALIAN athletes will gladly go to the Commonwealth Games in India - despite the string of British and other athletes who have declared their reluctance to attend - because Australians are tougher and more determined to represent their country.

That is the opinion of Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite.

With the Games 200 days away today, Crosswhite said Australia's athletes had been kept well informed about the risks of travel to the subcontinent and the measures being put in place to protect them. ''I think the main thing, though, is that Australian athletes are just really competitive,'' he said.

''They are more so than other nations and as far as they are concerned the Commonwealth Games is really important to them and they are not afraid. Threat or no threat, they are going to go.''

A string of British athletes have expressed reservations about attending and high-profile competitors including heptathlete Jessica Ennis and triple jumper Phillips Idowu have indicated they are unlikely to travel to Delhi.

Australian team officials have consistently said that each athlete will be allowed to decide whether to attend the Games, following terrorist incidents in Mumbai and neighbouring Pakistan in recent years.

''No one has expressed to us that they are not going,'' Crosswhite said. ''Everybody has got to make their own mind up but I'd be disappointed if someone didn't go.''

Crosswhite's confidence was supported yesterday by one of Australia's highest-profile athletes expected to feature in Delhi - world and Olympic champion pole vaulter Steve Hooker. ''I don't think there's any reason to be concerned at the moment and for that reason I'm not concerned,'' Hooker said.

The successful running of this month's hockey World Cup and the early smooth passage of the Indian Premier League cricket - along with trouble-free test events in shooting and archery - has bolstered confidence that organisers have security under control.

''We are even more bullish on it than we have been before,'' Crosswhite said. ''All that has gone well and the security, although there was some question about it early in those events, has been fixed up pretty quickly. There hasn't been any incidents so it's been good.''

Crosswhite said most Australian athletes understood ''they are going to be the most protected people there''.

He said it was more likely athletes might have concerns about friends, family or partners attending the Games, as they would not have the full benefit of the security measures.

Australian chef de mission Steve Moneghetti visited Delhi last week and was impressed by improvements in safeguarding security.

Source: Athletes 'not afraid', says boss

[Rafa]

[Rob2012]

The white trusses must be massivly tall. You can't see much of the stadium bowl.