Air Chief Marshal AP Singh urged Rajnath Singh to protect IAF land
The former Air Chief wrote to the Defence Minister regarding the sealing of the Race Course Air Force Station sports complex.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to express concerns over the sealing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) sports complex at the Race Course Air Force Station, according to reports by Siasat, Times of India, and Hindustan Times.
The former Air Chief Marshal sent a detailed letter on October 26 and held an in-person meeting with the Defence Minister on October 29, requesting that the over 40-acre land parcel near the prime minister's residence remain under the control of the force.
The sports complex, which includes a swimming pool and a golf course, was sealed by authorities from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This move resulted in the cancellation of a planned farewell for AP Singh, who retired on October 31.
In his letter, AP Singh cited a 2014 joint survey conducted by the then Ministry of Urban Development, the Defence Estate Department, and the Air Force. He argued the land is vital for the station's operations and its role in addressing aerial security challenges in the high-security area.
The Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued eviction notices to the management as part of a government drive to reclaim high-value land parcels near Lok Kalyan Marg. The ministry has previously reclaimed the Jaipur Polo Ground and evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre premises.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh criticised the move, stating the government's actions show "utter disrespect" to the IAF family. There has been no official statement from the IAF or the defence ministry.