Before retirement, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh raised IAF land issue with Defence Minister
Days before his retirement on October 31, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, reportedly flagged serious concerns to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the sealing of the Indian Air Force's sports complex at the Race Course Air Force Station. According to people familiar with the matter, authorities from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) executed the controversial closure.
The Air Chief Marshal reportedly dispatched a detailed letter to the Defence Minister on October 26 and followed up with an in-person meeting three days later. Sources said that he requested the minister to ensure that the critical land parcel, situated near the Prime Minister's residence, remains strictly under the control of the Air Force.
Farewell cancelled
The sudden sealing of the sports complex sparked widespread concern across defence circles. The dispute directly led to the cancellation of a planned farewell ceremony for the retiring Air Chief. The facility — which housed a golf course, a swimming pool, and other amenities — was closed last week after the Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued eviction notices demanding the return of the land. Neither the Indian Air Force (IAF) nor the Defence Ministry has issued an official statement on the matter.
Historical survey and operational importance
In his representation, Air Chief Marshal Singh cited a 2014 joint survey of the over 40-acre land parcel conducted by the then Ministry of Urban Development, the Defence Estate Department, and the Air Force. He noted that the station complex comprises three distinct land segments and insisted all facilities must continue operating as usual. Sources revealed that the IAF underscored the station's operational importance in thwarting aerial security challenges in the high-security zone, formally seeking a complete cancellation of the sealing process.
Reclamation drive
The move forms part of a broader drive by the Centre to review and reclaim high-value land parcels near Lok Kalyan Marg currently used for defence sports and golf facilities. MoHUA had previously directed relevant entities to surrender the land housing the Air Force Golf Course. In August, the department evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre premises on Lok Kalyan Marg, citing an unspecified public purpose. It also reclaimed the Jaipur Polo Ground from the India Polo Association, citing governance, defence infrastructure projects, and broader public interest.