India Tries to Hide its Poor As Games Begin

As the Commonwealth Games get underway in New Delhi, India, locals are upset that officials have made efforts to hide slum areas from the view of visitors.

1 minute read

October 5, 2010, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

Plastic sheeting has gone up to hide slum areas along a road connecting to the city's airport, among other efforts.

"[A]mid bad planning, alleged corruption and shoddy workmanship, crews have barely finished the main sports venues, let alone various urban renewal projects. The result, residents and experts say, is an effort to hide the impoverished, including those in this slum near an athlete training center.

'I'm so appalled and angry at this,' said Harsh Mander, a member of the ruling party's National Advisory Council after passing the cheerily camouflaged Coolie Camp. 'Poverty is nothing to be ashamed of, but government and middle-class elements want to hide it.'"

FULL STORY: India hurries to hide its poor

Friday, October 1, 2010 in Los Angeles Times

Government / Politics Social / Demographics India Slums Poverty New Delhi Commonwealth Games Poor View More

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