India Govt Takes 39.5 Acres Near PM's Home

The Indian government has taken possession of 39.5 acres of land housing the Air Force Sports Complex in Delhi, located near the Prime Minister's residence, as part of its land reclamation exercise in the area. The complex, which included a golf course, swimming pool, badminton courts, and other sports infrastructure, has been shut down and will undergo a joint survey to establish its exact boundaries and measurements.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally handed over the land to the Land and Development Office (L&DO) on an 'as is where is' basis. A joint survey involving the Defence Estate Office, the IAF, and the L&DO will be conducted to establish the exact extent of the land parcel and check for any discrepancies in its measurements.

The sports complex was used by Air Force personnel and was also scheduled to host a farewell event for Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who was set to retire on October 31. However, the closure of the facility disrupted the planned event, which was expected to follow the traditional 'golfing out' format.

The government's land reclamation exercise in the area has also affected other prominent sporting and recreational establishments, including the Delhi Race Club, Jaipur Polo Ground, and Delhi Gymkhana Club. The government took possession of the Delhi Race Club's race track on August 27, and the Jaipur Polo Ground on June 13, after issuing notices to the respective associations in March. The Delhi Gymkhana Club's lease was terminated in May, citing the requirement for the land for institutional and public-interest purposes.

## Why it matters The government's move to reclaim prime land near Lok Kalyan Marg, formerly known as Race Course Road, is part of its effort to utilize the area for 'urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects'. The location is described as a 'highly sensitive and strategic area', and the government plans to integrate the reclaimed land with adjoining government land. The closure of the Air Force Sports Complex and other establishments in the area marks a significant change in the use of prime land in the national capital, and is expected to have implications for the city's development and infrastructure.

The joint survey of the Air Force Sports Complex land is expected to establish the precise boundaries and measurements of the transferred land, which will then be placed under the L&DO. The government's land reclamation exercise is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the reclaimed land will be utilized in the future.