Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 8 (ANI): Chief Secretary Radha Raturi has called for the organisation of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand to be seen as both a golden opportunity and a challenge, urging officers to finalise preparations swiftly, according to an official statement from the state government.

Raturi has emphasised the need to elevate the state’s sports infrastructure to an excellent standard for the National Games, enabling young and emerging sports talents to benefit well into the future.

Chairing the High-Powered Committee (HPC) meeting for the 38th National Games 2024 at the Secretariat on Friday, Raturi granted various financial and in-principle approvals.

To ensure timely completion of the procurement process, she instructed that the tender process for sports equipment be expedited. She also stressed the importance of effective coordination between all relevant departments to facilitate a systematic and successful organisation of the Games.

Raturi directed coordination with the Municipal Corporations of Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, and Rudrapur for city beautification, road repairs leading to sports venues, venue waste management, and providing bus services for volunteers.

The Chief Secretary has tasked UPCL with ensuring uninterrupted power supply at the venues and obtaining electrical safety certificates. The Payjal Nigam has been directed to coordinate on structural safety certification of the venues.

She instructed the Public Works Department to oversee the beautification of inner and outer roads in the host cities and to obtain structural safety certification for the venues. The Tourism Department has been asked to promote Uttarakhand’s tourist destinations alongside the sports events. Coordination with Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services has also been ordered to secure fire safety certifications and deploy adequate fire brigade vehicles at the venues.

Raturi instructed coordination with the Airport Authority of India and the Northern Railway Zone to provide free help desks, special reception areas at airports and stations, and pass facilities for players and guests.

She also directed the Senior Superintendents of Police in Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital to oversee venue security, traffic flow, parking management, police escorts for VVIPs, and security protocols for dignitaries.

Finally, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has been directed to issue “Fit to Eat” certifications for each venue, while the Health Department has been instructed to coordinate the provision of physiotherapists, psychotherapists, nurses, medicines, and other essential facilities at the venues. (ANI)