Queen's Baton Relay reaches Taj

The Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi has reached the historic city of Agra, capital of Mughal dynasty. The baton entered Uttar Pradesh on Monday amid much fanfare and exuberance. The baton convoy travelled around the city, producing a wonderful spectacle for the people lined up along its route.

The baton was received by distinguished sportspersons like international powerlifter Hardeep Singh and Arjuna Awardee for hockey and Olympian Jagveer Singh among others. Thereafter the baton headed towards 509 Army Base Workshop and was honoured by officers of different ranks.

Over 100 baton-bearers took part despite incessant rains, which could not fetter the pace of the relay.

Later on that evening during a cultural programme which was organised at Sur Sadan, a special postal stamp was released to honour the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.

The programme included traditional dance performance and a fashion parade showcasing designs themed 'Go Green'.

Intense effort to address Village cleanliness

The Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi has said that intense efforts are being made to address all the issues related to the Games Village residential zone.

This after concerns were raised by Commonwealth Games Federation president, Mike Fennell, and by Commonwealth Games Associations of some nations and territories.

"We are aware of the concern shown by some members who are here in connection with the participation in next month's Commonwealth Games," Organising Committee secretary-general, Dr Lalit K Bhanot, said at a media conference yesterday. "The situation is under control and we are confident that when the teams arrive on the evening of September 23, the residential wing will be clean."

He said some work, especially deep cleaning, needs to be done and that has started.

"We have developed a world class Village, with a great international zone, excellent sports facilities that are hardly provided in Games Villages elsewhere and a superb dining hall," he said. "The venues are in the best of condition to conduct the Games and the issues around the Village will not affect the Games."

Dr Bhanot said all issues are being looked into and will be resolved before the teams arrive.

"We have started work in the 32 towers and will complete it before the arrival of the athletes. In fact, we have cleaned apartments in more than 60 per cent of the towers," he said.

Games Village Mayor Maj, (ret'd) Dalbir Singh, said gaps in the work areas had been identified and action taken. "It is an ongoing process and a structure for maintenance is in place," he said. "We will resolve all concerns. The apartments have remained unoccupied and therefore some issues are coming up."