Reports indicate that on October 26, Air Chief Marshal Singh sent a detailed letter to the Defence Minister and followed up with an in-person meeting three days later. He urged the Defence Minister to ensure that the land at this significant Air Force station—located near the Prime Minister’s residence—remains under the control of the Indian Air Force.
This controversial move by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to seal the sports complex has caused concern within defence circles. Consequently, the farewell ceremony planned for the Chief of the Air Staff had to be cancelled. Neither the Indian Air Force nor the Ministry of Defence has issued an official comment on this matter.
In his letter, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh cited a joint survey conducted in 2014. This survey was conducted by the then-Ministry of Urban Development, the Defence Estates Department, and the Air Force regarding a portion of a larger, 40-acre-plus tract of land. Their argument was that the land should remain with the Air Force, as the Air Force Sports Complex plays a vital role in the functioning of the station.
The Indian Air Force has also raised concerns with the Ministry of Defence regarding the sealing of the sports complex and has demanded that the process be halted. One individual noted that the Air Force emphasized that the station is located in a high-security zone and plays a crucial role in countering aerial security threats.
In his letter, A.P. Singh also addressed the history and status of the Air Force Station complex, which comprises three distinct parcels of land. He stressed that all existing facilities should continue to operate as they have in the past.
The sports complex at the Race Course Air Force Station—which includes a golf course, a swimming pool, and other amenities—was shut down last week. The Land and Development Office, which operates under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has issued an eviction notice to the management of the sports complex, requiring them to return the land.
This move is part of a recent initiative by the central government to reclaim valuable land in this area.
Over the past few weeks, the government, through the Land and Development Office, has begun a review of key land parcels near Lok Kalyan Marg. The objective is to reclaim plots currently being used for defence-related golf and sports facilities.
Prior to this, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had directed the relevant entities to hand over the land upon which the Air Force Golf Course is situated. In August, the department evicted the Delhi Race Club, located on Lok Kalyan Marg, from its 53-acre site. The rationale provided was that the land was required for a public purpose. Furthermore, citing broader public interests, administrative needs, and defense infrastructure projects, the government also took possession of the Jaipur Polo Grounds from the Indian Polo Association.
