NEW DELHI: Days before retiring as chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh wrote to defence minister Rajnath Singh, raising concerns over the sealing of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) sports complex at the Race Course Air Force Station in New Delhi.In a letter dated October 26, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh urged the defence minister to ensure that the over 40-acre land parcel remained under the Air Force’s control, news agency PTI reported, citing people familiar with the matter.AP Singh also raised the issue during an in-person meeting with Rajnath Singh on October 29, three days before his retirement on October 31. He sought the minister’s intervention after authorities under the ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) sealed the sports complex, triggering concern within defence circles, as reported by PTI.The sealing of the facility, which includes a golf course, swimming pool and other amenities, also led to the cancellation of a planned farewell for the outgoing Air Chief Marshal.There has been no official statement from either the IAF or the defence ministry on the matter.
IAF flags operational concerns
In his letter, AP Singh referred to a joint survey of the land parcel conducted in 2014 by the then ministry of urban development, the Defence Estate Department and the Air Force. He argued that the land should remain with the IAF, citing the sports complex’s important role in the overall functioning of the air station.The Air Force has also conveyed its objections to the defence ministry and sought the cancellation of the sealing process, the people said.It has highlighted the operational importance of the Race Course Air Force Station, particularly its role in addressing potential aerial security threats in the high-security zone around the Prime Minister’s residence.AP Singh also referred to the station’s history and its existing land arrangement in his communication. The complex comprises three distinct segments of land, and he stressed that all its facilities should continue to function as usual.
‘Absolute disgrace’: Congress slams Centre over reclaiming IAF complex
The Congress on Tuesday criticised the Centre’s move to reclaim the land housing the Indian Air Force Sports Complex, accusing the Modi government of showing “utter disrespect” to the IAF community.Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh shared a media report on X which said that Air Chief Marshal AP Singh had written to defence minister Rajnath Singh.In his post, Ramesh said, “The IAF Sports Complex has a long history and has, over the decades, served many public purposes, as well as being an integral part of the Indian Air Force social infrastructure.”“The Modi government’s actions are an absolute disgrace and show utter disrespect to the entire IAF family,” Ramesh added.
Centre’s drive to reclaim prime land
The sealing is part of a wider government exercise to reclaim high-value land parcels in the vicinity of Lok Kalyan Marg.Over the past several weeks, the land and development Office (L&DO), under the Union housing and urban affairs ministry, has reviewed plots being used for defence golf courses and sports facilities.
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The ministry had earlier asked the concerned authorities to hand over the land housing the Air Force Golf Course. The L&DO subsequently issued eviction notices to the sports complex’s management, seeking the return of the land.The government has also taken action against other establishments occupying prime land in the area.In August, the department evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre premises on Lok Kalyan Marg, citing the requirement of the land for an unspecified public purpose.It also reclaimed the Jaipur Polo Ground from the India Polo Association, citing broader public purposes, governance and defence infrastructure projects.
