New Delhi, Oct 18 (IANS) The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Monday started the process of taking over 700 of the 1,168 Commonwealth Games Village flats from the Organising Committee (OC), officials said.

‘We have begun the process of taking charge of the flats in the Village from today (Monday). It will take some time before the whole process is completed,’ said DDA spokesperson Neemo Dhar.

She said the flats will be locked and then the process to dispose them off will start.

Situated besides the Akshardham temple in east Delhi, the Village has 34 towers with 1,168 flats — of two, three, four, and five- bedroom-hall-kitchen types.

The DDA took over 700 flats in exchange for the financial bailout it offered to the realty major, Emaar MGF, during construction of the flats.

According to the OC, the dismantling of overlays will be completed by the month-end.

The OC will also be taking away electronic equipment in the flats like TV sets, refrigerators, and washing machines, among others.