DELHI, INDIA’S VIBRANT CAPITAL CITY, the eighth largest metropolis in the world, is home to more than 15 million people. By 2011, it’s estimated that this figure could rise to 19 million, which puts considerable pressure on the city’s infrastructure. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister for Delhi, has delivered metro rail, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, more green spaces, the banning of plastic bags, e-governance, quality education and healthcare. She has also reduced water wastage and pollution.
She created a sensation when she was voted Chief Minister for the third time last December – such a feat is virtually unheard of because Indian politicians rarely last so long or prove so popular. It was her defining moment. She rode to power on the twin planks of development and good governance.
With an ‘aunty next door’ image, Dikshit became popular with the middle class. Hailing from the neighbouring Punjab and married into an influential political family from Uttar Pradesh, Dikshit was dubbed an outsider when she first became Delhi’s Chief Minister in 1998. Being a leader with ambition and a progressive outlook, she has survived the highs and lows of a political career spanning three decades. While the face of the capital has changed, with modern metro rails and imposing flyovers appearing, in recent years her priorities have been to continue providing basic amenities such as clean drinking water, power and an efficient public transport system. Her immediate challenge is hosting the Commonwealth Games next year. It will be the first time the Games have been hosted in India and only the second time they've been held in Asia.
Q. Now that the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) and Assembly elections are behind you,
what is next on your agenda?
A. The most immediate item on the agenda, which will have a long-term impact on Delhi, is the Commonwealth Games. The infrastructure will make it a showcase for the country, whether because of improved water and power provision or the stadia. The Commonwealth Games will be over in 12 days but the legacy will change Delhi for ever.
Q. What impact will the Games have on the capital?
A. For Delhi the Games will be fun, while providing sport, culture and growth for the city. There will be no negative impact, although there could be some inconvenience as we get everything ready, for example, hold-ups on the transport network.
Q. Is Delhi ready to host the Games?
A. The multiplicity of authorities in Delhi makes things difficult. There is not one agency, one department or one government that is responsible, which means there is no single direct line of command. But I can assure you that there is coordination, and this is vital. Everybody is doing what they are supposed to do. We need to remind everybody that we have just over a year to go before the Games and the work we’re doing at the moment will become more visible as time goes by.
Q. Didn’t the Commonwealth Games authorities express concerns about the slow pace when they visited to check on progress?
A. That is not correct. They were worried about the power and water supplies but I assured them that the whole city has been provided for. A water plant has been built that provides one million gallons of water per day, which is the required amount. The Indian Olympic Association (IOC) also has a role. Whatever the technical requirements of the Commonwealth Games Federation or the IOC, we will fulfil it.
