All fired up for CWG

Several Games venues yet to get the go-ahead from fire department

Several Games venues yet to getu00a0 the go-ahead from fire department

With less than a week left for the Commonwealth athletes to start preparing for the big event, seven venues are yet to get a clearance from the fire department.

The mega sporting event would be held across 16 venues spread over the city. However, only the organisers have been able to complete only nine and get all the necessary clearances for them. Prominent among those that are yet to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Delhi Fire Department are Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, RK Khanna Tennis Stadium, Siri Fort Complex and the rugby practice venues at the Delhi University.

"We have inspected nine sports and practice sites of CWG so far and we have issued NOC to all of them. The process is on for rest of the venues," said Atul Garg, Divisional Officer Headquarters, Delhi Fire Service.

When asked the reason behind the venues not getting the clearance so late, Garg pointed out that at majority of the places construction or refurbishing work was still on. "As long as the venue is ready for the event, we cannot assess the threat perception completely," he said.

Consequent upon the NOC from the fire department, the venues would be provided a final clearance by the Deputy Commissioner (Licensing) without which no event can take place in the city.

"The DCP licensing will provide the final NOC to each games venue, and that also after all clearances and NOCs from all concerned departments. Without the NOC of DCP licensing, no such public gathering can be held in Delhi," said a police officer.

The Organising Committee for the Commonwealth Games rubbished any suggestions that it could affect the event.

"Rest of the venues will get their NOCs very soon. The process for them is underway," said Lalit Bhanot, Secretary General of the CWG.

First among equals
The venues which have got NOC from the Fire Department are: JNU Wada Block, JNU Hostel block, Talkatora Stadium, Thyagraj Stadium, Karni Singh Shooting Range, Yamuna Sports Complex, Chhatrasaal Stadium, CWG village and Ludlow Castle.

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