Cwealth Games work killed 43, says report

NEW DELHI: A court-appointed panel says at least 43 workers have been killed building venues for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi because of dangerous work sites and a lack of proper safety gear.

India's games organising committee stepped up work at the venues for athletics, swimming, weightlifting and some other events after Commonwealth Games officials said the slow pace of construction and repeatedly missed deadlines threatened the event. The games is scheduled to be held from Oct 3-14. The panel filed a report to the New Delhi High Court yesterday saying nearly 415,000 workers were not being paid adequately by private contractors and were forced to work overtime for no extra money. The court appointed the committee in January in response to allegations that the workers were living in crowded hovels with no protection from the winter elements, no electricity and filthy toilets.