CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. The Indian Air Force (IAF) sports complex on Lok Kalyan Marg, near the Prime Minister’s residence, has been closed from October 28 until further orders. The complex has a golf course, swimming pool, restaurant and other sports and recreation facilities. The move comes at a time when the central government is accelerating the process of taking back important government land in Delhi.
Located inside Race Course Air Force Station, the complex has been used by serving and retired Air Force officers as well as their families. Officials informed members through a message that the complex would remain closed from 5 a.m. on October 28 until further orders. Because of the sudden closure, the proposed traditional farewell golf event for Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff who is due to retire on October 31, was also cancelled.
According to reports, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had informed the Indian Air Force that it required the land allotted for this complex. The Land & Development Office (L&DO), under the ministry, has also conducted a survey of the complex. According to an Air Force spokesperson, the site also provides facilities for training Agniveers and Air Force personnel, along with fitness and recreation. Discussions on further action are continuing.
The development is being seen as part of a wider drive to take back government land in Delhi. Earlier, the government had taken back possession of 53 acres of land of the Delhi Race Club and the Jaipur Polo Ground. Action regarding about 27 acres of land of the Delhi Gymkhana Club is under judicial process.
However, the closure of the Air Force sports complex does not make it clear whether the transfer of land has been fully completed or whether further process is still pending. The government has also not publicly clarified its plan for the future use of this land. In this situation, further official decisions are awaited on the land return and its proposed use.
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