Commonwealth Games' crowning glory, the aerostat, is deflated and donated

New Delhi: Amid all the controversy about the Commonwealth Games held in India in 2010, the aerostat soared high, a spectacle that earned rave international reviews.

Imported from Australia at a cost of 24 crores, the massive balloon-like structure stole the show at the opening and closing ceremonies. After depreciation, the balloon is worth Rs 18 crores now, and is being donated free of cost to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Games were trademarked by apparently indefatigable corruption and embarrassing arrangements. Contracts were given to companies who were grossly over-paid for their services and equipment. Suresh Kalmadi, Congress leader and Chairman of the Games' Organising Committee, spent almost nine months in jail before being granted bail.

Equipment bought for the kitchen at the Athletes Village for the Games cost the government 14 crores. It is now being given free of cost to the Railway Ministry. The government had originally thought of auctioning the equipment but a huge customs duty would have applied if it was sold to a non-government party. So the Sports Ministry has decided to gift it to the Railways.

The Athletes Village caused India much embarrassment  ahead of the Games - a publicity tour revealed filthy apartments with poor construction; bathrooms had human waste piled high on the floors.

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