The affidavit claimed DDA is "bound to ensure that the green environment of the Siri Fort Complex would get en hanced and upgraded by developmental activities..."but did not inform the court if any alternative sites were considered.The three-member special Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, when it orderedthe"statusquo"ontheconstruction, had precisely asked for this.

The court's direction had come on a plea by advocate M L Lahoty, opposing the construction of a multi-level parking and an approach road passing through the popular golf range in the Siri Fort Complex. He feared it would cause `irreparable damage' to the area's serenity.

The reply, to be taken up by the court next Friday, however, claimed there would be no damage to the Children's Corner."It will not be disturbed,"said the civic agency while contemplating to provide a "leisure pool" in addition to the ex isting facilities.

However, it has agreed that the skating rink would become "non-operational" for laying "temporary outlays" for the Games in order to meet international standards. Acknowledging the fears raised by the petitioner, the DDA affidavit stated, "The same will be restored and upgraded with high-end specifications after the Games."

The affidavit also said a new approach road is necessary because the present one is inadequate to meet the requirements of safety measures. Chief Engineer (S-W Zone) V K Panchal, who furnished the affidavit, said: "The proposed road will provide a separate entry for vehicles of team members, Games families, fire tenders and other VIPs up to drop-off zones and also for emergency evacuation."