Concerned about security arrangements for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, Australia is rushing its elite police squadron to safeguard its players and officials.
Earlier, the Australian Government had already warned its citizens about the dangers of buildings in Delhi, after the collapse of a bridge near the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the main venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
"Our team will effectively be locked down - unable to visit any public places or use public transport," The Herald Sun quoted a source, as saying.
With the Australian Government expecting more athletes to pull out of the Commonwealth Games, about 15 Australian Federal Police officers will provide a high-level security cordon, though unarmed, after Sunday's shooting incident near the Jama Masjid in the walled city of Delhi.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Important locations for Common Wealth Games 2010 (Delhi).
12 important locations / venues for the Common Wealth Games 2010 (Delhi).
1. Games Village near Akshardham Mandir Delhi -110092
2. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
3. Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
(Weightlifting & Wrestling Event)(Indira Gandhi Sports Complex),
(Gymnastics Event) (Indira Gandhi Stadium)
Located in IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002.
4. Talkatora Indoor Stadium
(Boxing Event)
On Mother Teresa Crescent (Willingdon Crescent Road), New Delhi-110001.
(Hockey Event)
Located near Patiala House, New Delhi-110001 Landmark: India Gate.
Located near Patiala House, New Delhi-110001 Landmark: India Gate.
3. Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
(Weightlifting & Wrestling Event)(Indira Gandhi Sports Complex),
(Gymnastics Event) (Indira Gandhi Stadium)
Located in IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002.
4. Talkatora Indoor Stadium
(Boxing Event)
On Mother Teresa Crescent (Willingdon Crescent Road), New Delhi-110001.
5. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Aquatics Complex
(Swimming Event, "Aquatics")
Located on Willingdon Crescent Road, New Delhi-110001
Located on Willingdon Crescent Road, New Delhi-110001
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
(Lawn Bowls & Athletics Event)
Located in Lodhi Colony, Near C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.
Located in Lodhi Colony, Near C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.
7. Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range
(Shooting Event)
Located on Suraj Kund Rd, Tughlakabad (near Delhi), Faridabad NIT-121001, Haryana.
Located on Suraj Kund Rd, Tughlakabad (near Delhi), Faridabad NIT-121001, Haryana.
8. Siri Fort Sports Complex
(Badminton & Squash Event)
Located on August Kranti Marg, New Delhi-110 049 (near Siri Fort Auditorium).
Located on August Kranti Marg, New Delhi-110 049 (near Siri Fort Auditorium).
9. Yamuna Sports Complex
(Table Tennis & Archery Preliminaries Event)
Located in Surajmal Vihar, Delhi (East) - 110 092.
Located in Surajmal Vihar, Delhi (East) - 110 092.
10. R.K. Khanna Tennis Stadium
(Tennis Event)
Located on Africa Avenue, Safdarjung Enclave
DLTA, Delhi -110029
Located on Africa Avenue, Safdarjung Enclave
DLTA, Delhi -110029
11. Thyagaraj Sports Complex
(Netball Event)
Located near the Safdarjung Airport, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi-110023.
Located near the Safdarjung Airport, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi-110023.
12. Delhi University Stadium
97% say Games bosses have tarred India's image: Poll by ToI
When all the top bosses are blaming the media to have created a hype over the Common Wealth Games, Times of India conducted a Poll to ask its readers' the question. Read the results.
Supreme Court postpones Allahabad High Court verdict on Ayodhya title suit till September 28.
The Supreme Court (India) on Thursday (23rd September 2010) has postponed the verdict on the Ayodhya verdict by at least week.
The verdict by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court was to be delivered tomorrow (24th September 2010). The matter was heard by a Bench headed by Justice R V Raveendran.
Apex court issues notices to contesting parties on the petition seeking stay on the Allahabad High Court order, which refused to defer the verdict in the suit.
The apex court had on Wednesday declined to hear urgently the plea to postpone the Ayodhya title suit verdict by the Allahabad High Court on Friday.
A Bench of the court, while refusing to hear the petition filed by retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chand Tripathi, said that it did not have the "determination" to take up the issue and added that it will be listed before another Bench.
The demand to defer the verdict was admitted under Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code.
US warns that CWG an 'appealing target' for LeT.
Washington: The Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an "appealing target" for Pakistan-based terror group LeT due to its political and economic significance for India, a top US counter-terrorism official has warned.
"We are concerned that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an appealing target for Lashkar-e-Toiba due to their political and economic significance for India," said Michael Leiter, the Director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre.
Leiter, who testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday, said the threat level increases because of the heightened media exposure that will accompany the October 3-14 mega event.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has prepared a four-layer security plan for the mega event, which will see participation of around 8,500 athletes from over 71 countries competing in 17 events.
"We are concerned that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an appealing target for Lashkar-e-Toiba due to their political and economic significance for India," said Michael Leiter, the Director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre.
Leiter, who testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday, said the threat level increases because of the heightened media exposure that will accompany the October 3-14 mega event.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has prepared a four-layer security plan for the mega event, which will see participation of around 8,500 athletes from over 71 countries competing in 17 events.
The security plan envisages snipers on rooftops; commando hit teams and expert groups to tackle any chemical, biological, radio-active or nuclear attacks.
Around 80,000 police personnel, over 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 3,000 commandos and 100 anti-sabotage check teams will be deployed across New Delhi during the event.
Leiter said LeT's attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India have had a destabilising effect on the region, increasing tensions and brinkmanship between New Delhi and Islamabad.
"LeT poses a threat to a range of interests in South Asia," he said.
He also warned that although the terror group has not previously conducted attacks in the West, LeT trained individuals could pose a direct threat to the Homeland and Europe, especially should they collude with al-Qaeda operatives.
Around 80,000 police personnel, over 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 3,000 commandos and 100 anti-sabotage check teams will be deployed across New Delhi during the event.
Leiter said LeT's attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India have had a destabilising effect on the region, increasing tensions and brinkmanship between New Delhi and Islamabad.
"LeT poses a threat to a range of interests in South Asia," he said.
He also warned that although the terror group has not previously conducted attacks in the West, LeT trained individuals could pose a direct threat to the Homeland and Europe, especially should they collude with al-Qaeda operatives.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Channel Islands expresses doubts over Delhi accommodation.
Both Jersey and Guernsey Commonwealth Games Associations are waiting to decide whether or not to travel to Delhi over fears of poor accommodation.
The Jersey team have said a decision will be made within the next 24 hours, while Guernsey will decide on Friday.
Jersey's Commonwealth Games secretary Alan Cross said: "At the moment we are sending a team but we will be continually reviewing the situation.
"We'll make a decision based on the reports we get in the next 24 hours."
Jersey and Guernsey are among several teams to raise concerns about the quality of accommodation at the athletes village.
Scottish officials found their original accommodation to be "unsafe and unfit for human habitation".
England are "optimistic" they will compete, but say urgent work is needed before the Games begin on 3 October.
If the 33-strong Jersey team do travel to Delhi, they will be staying in a different tower block after the one they were originally allocated was deemed unfit for habitation.
Jersey's team manager Paul Huddleston is currently on site in Delhi inspecting another tower block.
Guernsey's chef du mission David Harry said: "The games village consists of over 30 tower blocks and it appears blocks 1-20 are in a reasonable condition, although there is still work to be done, whereas the later blocks 21-20 do need more work doing.
"Luckily the Guernsey team is in block number seven and I'm told by my colleague who are already there that although work needs to be done - it could be made to the correct standard of accommodation within the next 36 hours."
The Jersey team have said a decision will be made within the next 24 hours, while Guernsey will decide on Friday.
Jersey's Commonwealth Games secretary Alan Cross said: "At the moment we are sending a team but we will be continually reviewing the situation.
"We'll make a decision based on the reports we get in the next 24 hours."
Jersey and Guernsey are among several teams to raise concerns about the quality of accommodation at the athletes village.
Scottish officials found their original accommodation to be "unsafe and unfit for human habitation".
England are "optimistic" they will compete, but say urgent work is needed before the Games begin on 3 October.
If the 33-strong Jersey team do travel to Delhi, they will be staying in a different tower block after the one they were originally allocated was deemed unfit for habitation.
Jersey's team manager Paul Huddleston is currently on site in Delhi inspecting another tower block.
Guernsey's chef du mission David Harry said: "The games village consists of over 30 tower blocks and it appears blocks 1-20 are in a reasonable condition, although there is still work to be done, whereas the later blocks 21-20 do need more work doing.
"Luckily the Guernsey team is in block number seven and I'm told by my colleague who are already there that although work needs to be done - it could be made to the correct standard of accommodation within the next 36 hours."
Foot over bridge collapses near Nehru stadium
An under-construction foot over bridge collapsed near Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games.
Firing near Delhi's Jama Masjid, 2 injured
Two Taiwanese were injured in an incident of firing near the Jama Masjid in the walled city area this morning, police said. Unidentified persons fired at the duo near gate number three of the historic mosque, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Jaspal Singh said.
Terror e-mail Sent from Mumbai, Warns about CWG
A terror e-mail that was allegedly sent by the Indian Mujahideen, taking responsibility for the recent attack on the Jama Masjid in Delhi, has been traced to a locality at Borivali in Mumbai. The e-mail owned up responsibility for the attacks and warned of further attacks that would be targeted at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The chilling text of the e-mail reads:
"We are warning you. If you have the guts, then organise the Commonwealth Games...We know that preparations are on full swing. Be prepared...We are also making preparations...The participants in the games will be responsible for the outcome,"
According to the police, the mail was sent using a connection procured from Tata - using a fake identity card. The Delhi police are already questioning one person in connection with this case.
While terror e-mails are nothing new, earlier it had become a trend to send these mails after gaining unauthorized access to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Back then, there was huge hue and cry over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It also lead to the TRAI issuing directives to ensure Wi-Fi access pints are secured. It has also asked the government to direct ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to educate their customers on Wi-Fi security measures to adopt in order to prevent misuse. Even the security agencies have asked the Indian government to make password protection mandatory for all customers using Wi-Fi technology.
That was then. This time, however, the sender of the e-mail chose to have taken an easier way to send it. He simply procured a new card using a fake ID and had virtually secure Internet access. While the government has made it mandatory for all subscribers to furnish all their information before a connection or a new SIM is activated, it is clear that this procedure is not followed when it comes to practical application.
"We are warning you. If you have the guts, then organise the Commonwealth Games...We know that preparations are on full swing. Be prepared...We are also making preparations...The participants in the games will be responsible for the outcome,"
According to the police, the mail was sent using a connection procured from Tata - using a fake identity card. The Delhi police are already questioning one person in connection with this case.
While terror e-mails are nothing new, earlier it had become a trend to send these mails after gaining unauthorized access to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Back then, there was huge hue and cry over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It also lead to the TRAI issuing directives to ensure Wi-Fi access pints are secured. It has also asked the government to direct ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to educate their customers on Wi-Fi security measures to adopt in order to prevent misuse. Even the security agencies have asked the Indian government to make password protection mandatory for all customers using Wi-Fi technology.
That was then. This time, however, the sender of the e-mail chose to have taken an easier way to send it. He simply procured a new card using a fake ID and had virtually secure Internet access. While the government has made it mandatory for all subscribers to furnish all their information before a connection or a new SIM is activated, it is clear that this procedure is not followed when it comes to practical application.
Bridge collapses near JLN stadium, 23 injured.
In yet another setback to the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, major part of an under-construction foot-over bridge near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed on Tuesday afternoon.
As per initial reports, the incident happened at around 3 pm today when a hanging-type foot-over bridge that was being constructed near the stadium collapsed all of sudden.
Amid contradictory reports about the number of injured, Deputy Commissioner of Police HGS Dhaliwal confirmed that 23 labourers working at the site were injured in the incident out which five are said to be critical and have been admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, while four others have been rushed to the Safdarjung Hospital.
PWD officials and Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta claimed that only two workers were injured in the incident.
As per PWD principal engineer AK Sinha, the bridge was meant to be used by visitors during the commonwealth Games and was being erected using special technology. “It works using a system of pins attached the structure and it seems one of the pin(s) snapped due to the rest of the bridge,” he said.
Fire brigade teams, along with automated cranes, have also reached the spot are working towards removing the debris from the site.
The incident is likely to cause much embarrassment to the Delhi government, which is under pressure to complete the remaining construction work for the upcoming CWG events.
The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event being hosted by India since the 1982 Asiad Games, will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Oct 3. The stadium, the showpiece of the event, will also host the closing ceremony.
As per initial reports, the incident happened at around 3 pm today when a hanging-type foot-over bridge that was being constructed near the stadium collapsed all of sudden.
Amid contradictory reports about the number of injured, Deputy Commissioner of Police HGS Dhaliwal confirmed that 23 labourers working at the site were injured in the incident out which five are said to be critical and have been admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, while four others have been rushed to the Safdarjung Hospital.
PWD officials and Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta claimed that only two workers were injured in the incident.
As per PWD principal engineer AK Sinha, the bridge was meant to be used by visitors during the commonwealth Games and was being erected using special technology. “It works using a system of pins attached the structure and it seems one of the pin(s) snapped due to the rest of the bridge,” he said.
Fire brigade teams, along with automated cranes, have also reached the spot are working towards removing the debris from the site.
The incident is likely to cause much embarrassment to the Delhi government, which is under pressure to complete the remaining construction work for the upcoming CWG events.
The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event being hosted by India since the 1982 Asiad Games, will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Oct 3. The stadium, the showpiece of the event, will also host the closing ceremony.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
No RTI for vigilance panel
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government and city’s civic agencies, including MCD and DDA, are stonewalling attempts of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to probe allegations of corruption in the organisation of Commonwealth Games. Information provided by CVC under Right to Information (RTI) Act on complaints of corruption in various works reveals that the commission has been waiting for investigation and factual reports from CPWD, DDA, MCD, CBI and even Delhi government for over six months.
Complaints on alleged irregularities in purchase of air-conditioners for DDA flats and construction of indoor badminton stadium are pending because CVC is awaiting vigilance report from DDA over the past eight months since January.
Similarly, Delhi government has still not provided a factual report in complaints of irregularities in construction of bus queue shelters since June and procurement of “secure communication network” since May.
Cases like upgradation of street-lighting, which had been under CBI lens, are being investigated by CBI since February and CVC has still not received any report.
The worst delay in providing any factual information to CVC has been on part of CPWD which was forwarded a complaint of alleged irregularities in tenders for LED display boards at National Stadium (Mathura Road). The case has been pending before the chief vigilance officer of the agency since January 7 this year.
Apart from these cases, there are 16 corruption cases which are being investigated by commission’s Chief Technical Examiners Organisation.
Of these one has been referred to CBI and in another contract has already been terminated. The information provided by CVC on an RTI application filed by activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal reveals that of the remaining 14 cases, half of the cases are pending because MCD, PWD, DDA and CPWD have not provided the commission requisite information. These seven cases account for infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,226.32 crore.
These infrastructure projects involving major investments include covering of Sunehri Nullah and Kushak Nullah for parking facilities (Rs 303.95 crore), upgradation of Dr SPM swimming pool (Rs 229.73 crore), street-lighting on PWD roads (Rs 154.94 crore), upgradation of Major Dhyan Chand stadium (Rs 147.82 crore). While MCD has not provided factual reports to CVC in three cases, CPWD has to give in two cases.
Corruption complaints related to banners and signages for vehicle graphics for national sector of Queen’s baton relay, purchase of medical equipment for Games and selection of allegedly tainted officials for CWG organisation have been forwarded for further investigation to Delhi government.
Similarly, Delhi government has still not provided a factual report in complaints of irregularities in construction of bus queue shelters since June and procurement of “secure communication network” since May.
Cases like upgradation of street-lighting, which had been under CBI lens, are being investigated by CBI since February and CVC has still not received any report.
The worst delay in providing any factual information to CVC has been on part of CPWD which was forwarded a complaint of alleged irregularities in tenders for LED display boards at National Stadium (Mathura Road). The case has been pending before the chief vigilance officer of the agency since January 7 this year.
Apart from these cases, there are 16 corruption cases which are being investigated by commission’s Chief Technical Examiners Organisation.
Of these one has been referred to CBI and in another contract has already been terminated. The information provided by CVC on an RTI application filed by activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal reveals that of the remaining 14 cases, half of the cases are pending because MCD, PWD, DDA and CPWD have not provided the commission requisite information. These seven cases account for infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,226.32 crore.
These infrastructure projects involving major investments include covering of Sunehri Nullah and Kushak Nullah for parking facilities (Rs 303.95 crore), upgradation of Dr SPM swimming pool (Rs 229.73 crore), street-lighting on PWD roads (Rs 154.94 crore), upgradation of Major Dhyan Chand stadium (Rs 147.82 crore). While MCD has not provided factual reports to CVC in three cases, CPWD has to give in two cases.
Corruption complaints related to banners and signages for vehicle graphics for national sector of Queen’s baton relay, purchase of medical equipment for Games and selection of allegedly tainted officials for CWG organisation have been forwarded for further investigation to Delhi government.
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