September 14, 2009. Seeking to allay apprehensions about organising the Commonwealth Games, Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy today said all projects were on course to host the prestigious sporting event.

Everything is under control, everything is on course. I can say this with authority," Reddy said when asked about CWG Federation President Michael Fennel seeking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to put things in order.

He was speaking at the India Today Conclave.

Noting that he "did not want to downplay anything", the Minister said he can assure "the whole nation that everything is okay ... It is not only Delhi's pride but also the entire country's pride to host this event".

Not satisfied with the preparations for the event, Fennell has shot off a letter to Games' Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi asking him to arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister the next month.

"With only a year to run until the Games, I feel I must personally brief the Prime Minister of India on the lack of preparations and to seek his input in developing an appropriate recovery plan," wrote Fennell.

"I am looking forward to some urgent actions in order to bring about the successful celebration of the Games in 2010," Fennell wrote.

India not ready for Commonwealth Games: CGF
(AFP) – 7 hours ago

NEW DELHI — Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell has warned that the 2010 event in India could collapse and has sought the prime minister's intervention, local media reported on Monday.

Fennell, in a letter to the local organising committee, wrote that it was "reasonable to conclude that the current situation poses a serious risk to the Commonwealth Games in 2010."

With a year to go until the October 3-14 Games in New Delhi, Fennell has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during next month's CGF assembly here to brief him on the delays.

"I feel I must personally brief the Prime Minister of India on the lack of preparations and to seek his input in developing an appropriate recovery plan," Fennell wrote, the Hindustan Times reported.

"The government of India has committed significant resources towards the operational delivery of the Games. It would be irresponsible and negligent of the CGF not to share its concerns openly with the government."

Fennell blamed a lack of co-ordination in the local organising committee, headed by Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi, for the delays in preparing for the Games.

"Our concerns are such that unless there is significant change in the management culture and operation of the organising committee these Games will fail from an operational perspective," he wrote.

"The CGF is extremely worried about the organising committee's ability to deliver the Games to any comparable standard to that of the last two editions of the Games in Manchester (2002) and Melbourne (2006).

"I'm looking forward to some urgent actions in order to bring about the successful celebration of the Games in 2010."

Fennell's remarks follow an Indian government report last month that said work on 14 of the 19 sports venues was running late, while nine transport projects to improve Delhi's congested road network were at a "high risk" of not being completed in time.

The Comptroller and Auditor General report said that the aquatic complex, which should have been 93 percent finished by August, was only 42 percent complete.

It also said the design of the renovated main stadium was still not finalised.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said she was unaware of Fennell's letter, but was confident that the Games' infrastructure will be completed on schedule.

"I am not aware of the letter by Michael Fennell, but I know the Commonwealth Games will be held on time," Dikshit told reporters here.

"We are keeping alternatives ready, the Games will not suffer.

"We are satisfied with the progress of the work, but a little nervous about the completion of it."

Fennell's remarks were flayed by the treasurer of the organising committee, A.K. Mattoo, who insisted New Delhi will host a successful Commonwealth Games.

"I am shocked to hear his observation on the committee," Mattoo told reporters. "We are doing our best and I am confident we will host a successful Games.

"Delays do happen, but criticising is not going to get you anywhere. Having said that, I am confident we will sit together and resolve the issue soon."

The Games, the biggest multi-sport event to be staged in India since the Asian Games in 1982, feature 71 nations and territories that mostly comprised the former British empire.