First Ever Green Games says India

The organising committee of the 2010 Commonwealth Games have launched a green games initiative on World Environment day last Friday. The games are to be held in New Delhi.

Jasmine saplings on behalf of 71 participating nations were planted in the “Commonwealth Garden of 71″. A green games portal, highlighting the vision and environment awareness programmes, was also launched.

Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman Organising Committee 2010 Commonwealth Games, said
“Each one of us has a role to play to ensure that India hosts the first green Commonwealth Games. There had been green Olympics but that is not been the case with Commonwealth Games. We have begun with Thyagaraj stadium and Games Village and will make sure that every stadium in the country is environment friendly,”

Kalmadi also reiterated that strict security measures will be taken. “We are taking every step to ensure the foolproof security of the Games. We will be having a meeting with home ministry and will be briefing it shortly.”

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit unveiled the Commonwealth Games countdown clock with only 485 days left for the mega-event. “We are prepared for the Games. I will like to use this moment to ask every citizen to come forward for ensure green Games. We at the moment have about 23 percent greenery in Delhi and our target is to make it 33 percent in the next four to five years.”

Officials of the committee said numerous measures are being taken to reduce carbon footprint and ensure energy efficiency.

They said the venues of the Games are being constructed keeping in mind the green vision of the Games. Measures in terms of energy efficiency, water conservation etc have been initiated to reduce carbon emission from Games-related activities.

The Committee also plans to launch an anti-litter campaign, bio-diverse afforestation drive, water conservation rally and spread awareness on how individuals can change their lifestyle to make a difference to the environment.

The objective of the anti-litter campaign is to reduce the littering rate in Delhi by raising the level of awareness and responsibility among the masses.

The aim of the bio-diverse afforestation drive will be to help increase the existing green cover in Delhi. The drive will be held regularly and will involve the public and school children.

As part of the sustainable transport awareness programme, a number of initiatives have been planned to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.

People will be encouraged to adopt pollution-free mode of transportation and therefore awareness messages will be developed on tackling the growing problem of air pollution in the city.

Organisers will also promote cycling as a preferred green alternative for short distance commutation and its importance in the areas of health and environment.

A ‘Save Water Rally’ promoting conservation of water will be conducted on March 22, 2010.

The Committee had signed a pact with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to make the event a ‘Green Commonwealth Games’.

As per the pact, the UNEP and the Organising Committee will work together to incorporate environment considerations into the planning and staging of the event.

The UNEP will provide technical advice and information for the development and implementation of the comprehensive greening programme.

This will include waste management, energy efficiency, water management, eco friendly transport, green procurement, green tourism, ozone friendly initiatives and carbon mitigation and offset.

Valere Tjolle