New Delhi: Centre wants the land currently used by Air Force Golf Course on Lok Kalyan Marg to be returned to ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA). This has been communicated to the entities concerned, an official said.This comes at a time when Land and Development Office under MoHUA has expedited the process to get back land parcels in this location close to the PM’s official residence, which were earlier given on lease or were encroached, including those occupied by Delhi Race Club, Indian Polo Association and Delhi Gymkhana Club.No official details were available about the purpose of getting back the land parcel. Sources said this is part of the govt’s larger scheme of things for the efficient use of prime land parcels for public purposes.Earlier, in 2017, L&DO had slapped notices for the eviction of five properties, including the Air Force Sports Complex, Jaipur Polo Ground and Old Willingdon Camp. But no further action was taken.L&DO evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre premises on Lok Kalyan Marg in Aug, citing that the land was required for an unspecified “public purpose”.Similarly, it evicted the Indian Polo Association from Jaipur Polo Ground in the vicinity for a larger public purpose, public governance and defence infrastructure projects.It has also initiated eviction proceedings against the Delhi Gymkhana Club to get back 27 acres of prime land and has cited the urgent need for defence infrastructure, public security and governance-related public-interest projects. The matter is before the Delhi High Court.
