Lack of planning delaying Games works: Vardhan

Delhiites face difficulties negotiating their way through massive construction work in progress at Connaught Place, New Delhi, on Wednesday. The govt. has said that the beautification work for Connaught PLace won't be finished in time for Games. Photo: V. Sudershan

Former Delhi BJP president Harsh Vardhan has charged the Government with deliberately delaying construction work relating to the Commonwealth Games.

In a statement, Dr. Vardhan said eight years ago it was decided that the Games would be organised in Delhi and that time too Sheila Dikshit was the Chief Minister. “Preparations for the Games are being done in a hasty manner and there is no proper planning for organising the mega event. That is why the Chief Minister is nervous about the Games.”

Reeling off statistics, Dr. Vardhan claimed that only 19 per cent of work relating to improvement and strengthening of 5{+t}{+h} Avenue Road in front of Mehar Chand Marg and 30 per cent of Bhishma Pitamah Marg leading up to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium have been carried out.

“Besides 32 per cent of work for improvement and up-gradation of Surajkund Road and 38 per cent of Shooting Range Road leading up to Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range have been done. Similarly, 36 per cent of improvement and strengthening of works on Maharshi Valmiki Marg leading towards Tyagraj Stadium and 25 per cent of Dilip Singh Marg leading towards Siri Fort Complex have been carried out.”

Dr. Vardhan said only 25 per cent of construction of a foot over-bridge from the JLN Stadium across Bhishma Pitamah Marg has been carried out. Similarly, projects like Barapulla Nullah elevated road, Ring Road by-pass and UP Link Road are running behind schedule. “For smooth conduct of Games all the works should have been completed by now,” he added.