Air Chief Marshal AP Singh urges Rajnath Singh to retain IAF land
The outgoing chief requested the defence minister to prevent 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 regarding the sealing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) sports complex at the Race Course Air Force Station in New Delhi, according to the Times of India.
In a letter dated October 26, the Air Chief Marshal requested that the over 40-acre land parcel remain under the control of the Air Force. He followed this up with an in-person meeting with the defence minister on October 29, shortly before his retirement on October 31.
The sealing of the facility, which includes a swimming pool and a golf course, was carried out by authorities under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This action led to the cancellation of a planned farewell for the outgoing Air Chief Marshal.
The Air Force has sought the cancellation of the sealing process, noting that the station is vital for managing aerial security risks in the high-security area near the Prime Minister's residence. AP Singh also cited a 2014 joint survey involving the Defence Estate Department and the Air Force to support his request.
The Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued eviction notices to the sports complex management as part of a government effort to reclaim high-value land near Lok Kalyan Marg. The ministry had previously asked authorities to hand over the land used for the Air Force Golf Course.
Congress general secretary 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 regarding the matter.