Vijay Lokapally: Delhi puts out welcome mat

Opinion

It has been a battle against time. The state government, organising committee, security agencies, civic authorities and citizens of Delhi have all been locked in a race to get the city ready.

Charges of alleged corruption within the Organising Committee (OC) and the government agencies involved in the construction of the infrastructure have led to delays. Scandals were so widespread the Prime Minister intervened.

Senior citizens are reminded of the 1982 Asian Games when India staged its biggest sporting event. It was extravagant then. The Games are no less extravagant now.

The Commonwealth Games were allotted to New Delhi six years ago but lax officials have caused delay and embarrassment, leaving the sporting fraternity fuming.

OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi and the state chief minister Sheila Dikshit have both been criticised on a variety of issues. Things, however, are changing.

For almost a year, Delhi has looked like a war zone. Debris from construction, chaos caused by some mindless renovation work and potholes and craters only added to the woes of driving in the city.

And then it poured relentlessly. The danger of losing out to nature left the authorities depressed. But the workforce did not stop.

It was a matter of national prestige now, as Dikshit proclaimed. She appealed to the opposition and Delhi's citizens to come together and contribute towards a memorable Commonwealth Games. Her repeated pleas worked in many departments.

Realising the gravity of the situation, efforts to play ideal hosts have stepped up in all areas.

Delhi has not been the best place to live in over the past year. Wild construction activities meant more dust and pollution and more time spent in vehicles on crowded roads.

But the people have been tolerant. The dark clouds of negativity surrounding the Commonwealth Games have begun to blow away. There is an infectious spirit of camaraderie in the air. Young people, who form the bulk of the population, are geared up to welcome delegates and athletes.

Delhites, not best known for their civic sense, have begun to come to terms with the responsibility of playing warm hosts. Hotels have been spruced up, the roads and streets are gleaming and the greenery is soothing. The rains, and the threat of floods, have subsided and work continues 24 hours a day. Deadlines have to be met and infrastructure put in place to meet the promise of presenting world-class facilities.

The venues have been handed over to the OC. The Games Village has been showcased to the media and hailed as world class by some foreign delegates. The smiles are back on the faces of the much stressed OC officials.

The authorities promise a smooth Games. The security agencies have taken over the venues and the Village. A force of 80,000 policemen will protect the Games.

Civic authorities and security agencies have assured a disease- and crime-free atmosphere for all visitors and I have reason to believe them.

Peaceful conduct of the Games is of paramount importance and Delhi's citizens have pledged to take the hardships in their stride as long as it helps the city emerge with its reputation enhanced.

Delhi is ready for the Games.

* Vijay Lokapally works for the The Hindu and Sportstar, two of India's best-known publications. He has lived in Delhi for 50 years.