The Air Force has handed over the land of its sports complex located at Race Course Air Force Station, New Delhi. This land is spread over 39.5 acres. The Air Force has handed it over to the Land and Development Office (L&DO).
This land is near the Prime Minister’s residence. The central government is taking back the land of the Prime Minister’s residence. The Central Government is taking back the land of clubs and sports complexes around Lok Kalyan Marg.
This land has been handed over to L&DO in ‘as is, where is’ condition. L&DO works under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
What all is here?
This sports complex is built in the Race Course Air Force Station located on Lok Kalyan Marg. It is completely in 39.5 acres.
This almost 80 year old complex has a golf course, swimming pool, gym and dining room. It was sealed on 28 October. For this reason, former Air Chief Marshal AP Singh could not play golf here during his farewell.
However, on October 31, he was given a ‘guard of honour’ here.
Farewell to former Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
Photo Credit: IANS
Former Air Chief had expressed concern
Former Air Chief Marshal AP Singh had written a letter to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh four days before his retirement. He wrote this letter on 26 October.
In this letter he had expressed concern over the sealing of the sports complex. In this he had requested the Defense Minister that this land located near the Prime Minister’s residence should remain under the control of the Air Force.
In the letter he had also cited a survey of 2014. He argued that this land should remain with the Air Force as the sports complex plays an important role in the functioning of the Air Force station.
Photo Credit: IANS
Why is the land being taken back?
The Central Government is taking back the valuable lands around the Prime Minister’s residence. Its objective is to take back those lands which are being used for defence, golf and sports complexes.
In August, L&DO had vacated 53 acres of land from Delhi Race Club located on Lok Kalyan Marg. L&DO said that this land is needed for some ‘public purpose’.
Apart from this, L&DO has also recently taken back the Jaipur Polo Ground from the India Polo Association.
In May, Delhi Gymkhana Club, spread over 27.3 acres, was given a notice to vacate the site. However, this matter is in Delhi High Court. It has not been emptied yet.
Source: ndtv.in
