Green Common Wealth Games in India

Delhi will host the XIX Commonwealth Games between 3-14 October 2010 which will see the participation of 71 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA). The Games are being held for the first time in India and assume great national importance and are a matter of pride for the country. There will be 17 sports played across 22 sporting venues, 43 training venues and a new state-of-the-art Games Village is being built to house the athletes and CGA officials.With 71 countries participating, India can showcase herself as being an environmentally responsible nation.

Environment will play a key role in this year's Commonwealth Games with the organisers announcing a series of green measures from boosting energy efficiency and air quality to expanding the city's forests. Organisers and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) are going to jointly promote Ecological Codes over the next eight months in the run-up to the opening ceremony.Delhi Government along with the Central Government has taken several initiatives to fulfill Delhi's green city agenda. Delhi has already introduced CNG-propelled public transport system like public buses, auto, taxis. Even Delhi government has recently introduced subsidies on the cost of battery-operated cars and two wheelers to keep harmony with nature. And these hybrid buses would add an extra edge to Delhi's eco-friendly transportation structure to be provided during the Games.

Beside the eco-friendly hybrid buses, Delhi government has also constructed an eco-friendly stadium for 2010's Common Wealth Games. This stadium which is the chosen venue for boxing competitions.Other green initiatives underway are ‘green’ buildings that are being constructed, the Balewadi Sports Complex being one of them. “Rainwater harvesting, waste water treatment and recycling plant, insulated roofs, heat reflecting surfaces, low floor sanitary fittings, solar water heaters and cross ventilation are some of the features these green buildings will comprise.