Why Former IAF Chief AP Singh Writes To Rajnath Singh Over Sealing Of Air Force Sports Complex Near PM’s Residence: Explained | Today’s news
Days before his retirement as Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief AP Singh has written to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh urging him to intervene in the sealing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Sports Complex at Race Course Air Force Station in New Delhi.
In a letter dated October 26, Singh sought to ensure that the approximately 40-acre land that houses the Air Force Sports Complex (AFSC) remains under the control of the IAF, citing operational requirements and facilities located at the premises, Hindustan Times reported, citing officials familiar with the matter.
The former air chief marshal also raised the issue during a one-on-one meeting with Rajnath Singh on October 29, two days before his retirement on October 31, according to a HT report.
He reportedly urged the defense minister to direct the authorities concerned to reconsider the decision and hand over the land to the Air Force.
The crackdown came after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) repossessed the sports complex, raising concerns in defense circles.
The shutdown also led to the cancellation of a farewell event planned for the outgoing air chief, according to reports.
Why did AP Singh ask for Rajnath Singh’s intervention?
In his communication, AP Singh argued that it would be prudent for the land on which the AFSC is located to remain under Air Force control, citing its importance to the overall functioning of the Race Course Air Force Station, according to officials quoted by PTI.
He also referred to a joint land survey conducted in 2014 by the then Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Defense and Air Force.
The IAF has separately conveyed its objections to the defense ministry and asked for the de-sealing process to be lifted, officials said.
The key concern relates to the strategic location of the air station, which lies in a high-security zone around the Prime Minister’s residence in Lok Kalyan Marg. The Air Force emphasized the station’s role in addressing potential aviation security threats in the area.
Singh also referred to the station’s history and existing land development and emphasized that its various facilities should continue to function without interruption.
What facilities are located inside Race Course Air Force Station?
The station provides administrative support to Air Force Command and more than 5,000 Air Force personnel, according to officials cited in the report.
Its premises house accommodation for married and unmarried personnel, training facilities for airmen and Agniveervayus, security infrastructure, recreational facilities, medical centre, school and unit canteen.
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The Air Force Sports Complex itself includes a golf course, guest cottages, a swimming pool, a fitness center and restaurants.
The closure of the facility reportedly disrupted regular activities and forced the cancellation of a farewell golf event scheduled for Oct. 28 for the outgoing air chief marshal.
The development also attracted attention due to the timing of the reclamation, coming days before AP Singh’s retirement.
Why is the center reclaiming prime land near the prime minister’s residence?
The sealing of the Air Force sports complex is part of the Centre’s wider exercise to acquire high-value land around Lok Kalyan Marg.
The Lands and Development Office (L&DO), which operates under the MoHUA, reviews the land used for defense golf courses and sports facilities in the area.
The ministry had earlier reportedly asked the concerned authorities to hand over the land on which the air force golf course is located.
The L&DO company subsequently issued an eviction notice to the management of the sports complex, in which they demanded the return of the property.
As part of the reclamation, other important companies also faced lawsuits.
In August this year, the government evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre premises on Lok Kalyan Marg, citing a demand for land for an unspecified public purpose.
The center also reclaimed the Jaipur Polo Ground from the India Polo Association citing wider public purposes, administration and defense infrastructure projects.
The government has not publicly specified the exact purpose of reclamation of the approximately 40-acre site of the Air Force Sports Complex.
Read also | Air force sports complex closed: Why was it closed? Does eviction, demolition follow?
The Congress criticizes the Center for the closure of the IAF sports complex
The controversy also created a political backlash as the Congress criticized the Center over the reclamation of the Air Force Sports Complex.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh shared a media report on AP Singh’s letter to Rajnath Singh on X accusing the government of “utter disrespect” towards the IAF community.
Ramesh said the sports complex has a long history and has served several public purposes over the decades while remaining an integral part of the social infrastructure of the Indian Air Force.
