Reiterating that all Commonwealth Games projects were on track, Games Organising Committee chairperson Suresh Kalmadi said that barring the cycling velodrome and rugby field, all projects will be completed by December this year, giving agencies enough time for a trial run as well.

Talking to The Indian Express staff at the Idea Exchange programme held on Friday, Kalmadi said all issues at the Games Village have also been sorted out; with workers having been paid their dues, work at the Village had regained momentum.

He said the Capital was braced for the security challenge the Games represented. “None of the participating nations need to be worried about security arrangements. The Lieutenant-Governor himself is looking at the security and as chairperson of the Organising Committee, I can assure you that concerned agencies are pulling all stops to ensure fool-proof security during the event,” he said.

When asked about the construction of the Games Village on the Yamuna riverbed and the potential danger it poses to the river, Kalmadi said that since the matter was sub-judice he could not comment. He, however, said all suggestions to bring down the structure after the Games, to ensure that no construction is carried out there again, should be directed to the state government and not the Games committee. “I cannot take responsibility on my own and say I will bring down the Games Village after 2010. It is the Delhi government’s job and they should do whatever is suitable and in accordance with the court’s decision,” he said.

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