Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 go green

With 71 countries participating, India can showcase herself as being an environmentally responsible nation, said organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi who signed the MoU with UNEP8217;s division of communications and public information director Eric Falt. 8220;The 2008 CYG Games in Pune will focus its environmental programme on waste and water management, afforestation and anti-litter campaign, sustainable transport, public awareness and mobilisation campaigns,8221; said Kalmadi.

Other green initiatives underway are 8216;green8217; buildings that are being constructed, the Balewadi Sports Complex being one of them. 8220;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. It will aim at reducing pollution and energy consumption,8221; said divisional commissioner Nitin Kareer.

Listing cost and time as the risks they face, Kareer said the buildings and the sports complex will be handed over to the Sports Committee in May 2008. Acknowledging that the efficient public transport during the Games would minimise pollution to a great extent, municipal commissioner Pravinsinh Pardeshi said Bus Rapid Transit System would be functional from June 2008 and direct transport from 8216;airport to stadium8217; will be made possible. Footpaths and cycle paths alongside the roads will be a priority, he said.

Falt said local government, private sector, society and youth would have to work together to make 8216;green games8217; a reality. 8220;Sports events can create environmental awareness and partnership between various sectors of the society is crucial to implement it,8221; he said.