Commonwealth and Youth Games will be ''Green Games''

New Delhi, July 14 (UNI) It is going to be an environment-friendly sporting extravaganza as plans are afoot to make the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held here ''Green Games''.

In this regard the Organising Committee of the Games is partnering with the United National Environment Programme (UNEP).

The tie-up also includes the third Youth Commonwealth Games slated to be held in Pune next year.

It will be the first time that the Organising Committee of a Games will be joining hands with the UNEP, which in the past has been associated with the Olympics.

''This partnership will not just ensure the best ever Games but it will also make it a Games with a conscience,'' said Mr Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman of the Organising Committee.

Recognising that major sporting events also impact the environment in many ways like clearing land for setting up event sites, the need for large volumes of water, waste disposal etc, the Organising Committee has made a pledge to ensure that the Commonwealth Games will be a ''Green Games''.

As part of the environmental programme, both Pune and Delhi will look at issues like tree planting and anti-litter campaigns as well as using of renewal energy sources and efficient water management.

UNI