Weightlifting auditorium inaugurated

The newly-built weightlifting auditorium inside the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium was inaugurated by Sports Minister M S Gill but water logging and seepage at the venue once again exposed how ill-prepared the Capital is to host the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

August 1 was also the deadline of all venues and stadiums constructed by CPWD and SAI to be handed over to the Games Organising Committee but the reality is Games' venues present a grim picture of unkept promises with the construction woes further compounded by monsoon.

- Govt assures action in CWG corruption

The auditorium is a new addition to the existing Nehru Stadium, which was constructed during 1982 Asian Games. The work has been executed by CPWD and the arena will also be used as convention centre cum opera house during the legacy period.

With a total seating capacity of more than 2100, it is one of the largest auditoriums in India built at a cost of Rs 80 crores.

But a walk through the interiors of the arena and one can see the cracked false ceilings near VIP/Games Family Lounge and Warm-up area, which shows their urgency to meet the handover deadline despite tardy work.

Even the four toilets, which were surprisingly guarded by labourers to avoid media persons, had cracked false ceiling and a filthy smell enveloped the area.

The exterior of the stadium was in equally shocking state with fresh spell of downpour today clogging the entry and exit of the main gate.

Behind the arena, loose tiles and grills, scattered iron rods and tons of rubble were enough to raise serious doubts about the tall claims made by Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Sports Minister M S Gill.

But Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy and Gill had a bizarre explanation to give.

"All stadiums are world class and this is one of them. Roof of this arena is of very complex design and has not been done before in India. There is no serious flaw in the roof as reported by many," Gill said.

"We have introduced a new drainage system and there are no such leakages. If there are any at all then they will be attended to," Reddy said.

Among the important green building features of the auditorium are thermal insulation of the entire roof with rock wool insulation, gypsum board partition and wall panellings, double glazed tinted glasses for external glazing, rain water harvesting, energy efficient HVAC chillers with VFD and heat recovery units provided in AHU rooms for fresh air.

The arena also has two-level underground basement parking for 300 PCUs having mechanical ventilation system, sports lighting 2200 LUX suitable for HDTV transmission and controlled by PLC from a single master control.