Dikshit satisfied with Games preparations

Unfazed by mounting criticism for delays in key Commonwealth Games projects, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today expressed satisfaction over preparations, saying the event will be a great success.

Dikshit, after inspecting progress of work in various projects in MCD and NDMC areas, said the agencies concerned have told her that all the works will be completed in time.

"I am confident that all the works will be completed in time and the Games will be a great success," Dikshit said replying to a question on whether she was satisfied with progress of works in MCD and NDMC areas.

"Top officials in MCD and NDMC told me that all the works will be completed in time. I am satisfied with progress of work in the sense that I have no reason not to believe them," she said. The Chief Minister has been under attack from various quarters for the delay in completion of key projects.

During her visit, Dikshit also took stock of progress in removal of debris from various construction sites.

Her visit to various construction sites came a day after the government extended the deadline for removal of debris to August 31 after various agencies including MCD and NDMC failed to comply with the earlier deadline.

Dikshit had last month set August 10 as deadline for removal of construction waste across the city and ordered all civic agencies to strictly comply with it.

The Chief Minister today visited Connaught Place and some other parts of Central and South Delhi where mounds of rubble can seen due to the ongoing construction and underground cable work.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister A K Walia issued an order banning cutting of roads with effect from August 20. He also ordered the discoms, MTNL and ECIL, which are laying underground cables in various areas of the city, to complete their works by August 16.

"We will not allow cutting of roads and digging of footpaths after August 20," he said.

Walia also instructed MCD and Delhi Police to strictly enforce provisions of the Delhi Defacement Act which envisages stringent action including hefty fine and imprisonment for those found defacing public properties.

He further directed the enforcement agencies to ensure that no poster and banner should be visible in the city during the event. Walia also exhorted citizens not stick posters and banners in public places during the ensuing festival season.