Seven large screen television sets, 100 CCTV cameras and low-noise sound systems will also be installed. The MCD is charging 3.10 lakh rupees for the ground for May 13 to June 30, while the tent city will cost about two crore rupees per month, the report said. The ground will also have air-conditioned intensive care units for emergencies. The ground will have facility to store 1,00,000 litre water, while eight crore rupees have been invested for 500 RO plants of 16 lakh rupees each, the report added. It will also have 1,300 toilets for Baba Ramdev's supporters.
No breakthrough in talks, Ramdev to go ahead with fast
NEW DELHI: A desperate government's efforts failed on Friday to achieve any breakthrough with Baba Ramdev deciding to go ahead with his indefinite fast here from Saturday amidst indications that a compromise was likely in a day or two.
For nearly five hours, two senior Union ministers Kapil Sibal and Subodh Kant Sahay negotiated with the yoga guru over his demands on eradication of corruption at a posh hotel, a venue totally different from Delhi airport where two days ago these two ministers with two others had attempted to placate him.
After the talks, Sibal said "we had constructive dialogue on several issues and the government has addressed all the issues Baba has raised in writing. Most of these issues are of national concern and the government is already seized of many of them". However, immediately thereafter, Baba Ramdev went to the Ramlila Maidan, venue of his indefinite fast, where he told a congregation that government has agreed to most of his demands. He said, however, that he will go ahead with the fast till all his demands are met completely. Observing that they "have not yet reached a compromise", Ramdev said "I will sit on fast (from tomorrow)." Assuring that his agitation will be "peaceful, legal and constitutional", the yoga guru said it will not turn violent but nobody should try to malign the campaign. The ministers also discussed with Ramdev the action taken by government so far to get back the black money which included commissioning of a study which will indicate the sectors and mode of generation of ill-gotten money and recommend measures for its prevention and control. The study, to be completed in 18 months, will also assess extent of black money within the country and stashed overseas and its impact on national security, said the official paper carrying structured response of the government to Ramdev's demands. About proposed actions on the black money issue, it said a committee, constituted by the government, will consult all stakeholders and submit its report within six months.
"The committee will examine the measures to strengthen the existing legal and administrative framework to deal with the menace of generation of black money through illegal means, including declaring wealth generated illegally as national asset and enacting/amending laws to confiscate and recover assets and providing exemplary punishment against its perpetrators," it said.
As a consensus eluded at the meeting between the government and Ramdev, the former said any further suggestions will be duly considered.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government geared up facilities like water, power and sanitation services at the Ram Lila Maidan where yoga guru Baba Ramdev will hold his indefinite fast against corruption from Saturday.
"We have made all the arrangements like supply of water and power at Ram Lila Maidan. We have told MCD to ensure proper sanitation in the area," Dikshit said.
Dikshit met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday and the issue of Ramdev's fast figured in the meeting.
"We will do whatever is necessary. We will provide all the basic amenities at the Ramlila ground. Issues like security and ensuring proper traffic flow will be taken care of by Delhi Police," she added.
A Cabinet meeting on Wednesday discussed problems like traffic chaos which might occur due to the protest as a large number of people are expected to gather at the site.
The Cabinet had entrusted the Delhi Jal Board to provide adequate water supply at the site, while the power distribution company concerned was asked to ensure lighting in the area.
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