Reason: the committee DDA formed to frame the terms and conditions for private operators to submit their recommendations is yet to get started.

In 2005, DDA had decided to give land marked for gyms and swimming pools to private operators, who were to run them on the built, operate and transfer (BOT) basis. The scheme excluded existing gyms and pools inside DDA's sports complexes and covered only new gyms and pools in DDA greens (parks).

At present, DDA not only builds the gyms, but also buys equipment and maintains them. It decided to engage private operators because it felt that operation and maintenance of gyms and swimming pools was becoming a loss-making proposition.

Initially, DDA will give 10 plots to private operators to start gyms and pools. The land would remain with the agency, while the private developers would construct, run and maintain the facilities, a DDA official said.

"Many of the gyms remain underused because of their location. The gyms were not being maintained properly because of low clientele," said a DDA official. The delay in decision in this matter might derail DDA's outsourcing plan. "We have got lots of queries from private operators whose gyms were sealed last year But the delay may force them to look at other options," said an official.