Centre delays COP11 preparations
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State government officials are waiting anxiously, a touch nervous and a tad restless, as the Centre is yet to finalise the professional conference organiser for the upcoming International Conference of Parties on Biodiversity.
While the event will be held between October 1 and 9 at the International Convention Centre, Hyder-abad, no preparatory work has started yet, thanks to an ambiguity over conference organiser.
But even then, officials said, the Union ministry of forest and environment has kept the state on its toes regarding preparations.
According to officials, committees formed to look into various details of the global conference, especially reception, food, accommodation, stage management, side events and exhibitions, cannot begin work in the interim.
The civic body’s city beautification projects are also yet to start, as the Centre is still to sanction funds.
A state government official involved in the arrangements said: “The Centre had called bids for selection of the conference organiser on January 2 this year. But the tenders are yet to be finalised.
As a result, the state government is left helpless. We cannot go ahead with the arrangements till the professional organiser is selected.”
Over 5,000 participants from 193 countries and international organisations are expected to attend the conference.
About 50 halls of various size, exhibition area, space for facilities such as registration, information desks, cyber café, document distribution, and lobby are available at the venue.
But work is in a limbo, since the professional event organiser has to provide all conference-related services.
These include meetings, side events, exhibition, accommodation, transport of delegates, tourism, cultural events, creating and maintaining an interactive website, online registration, visa facilitation, provision of manpower, security personnel, airport reception and send-off, parking and provision of office equipment.
As per an official notification, firms bidding for organising the event should have an annual turnover of Rs 10 crore.
They should have an experience of organising at least five prestigious international conferences with participation of 3,000 delegates from 25 countries.
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