Politics · India · 3 hrs ago
Outgoing IAF chief asked govt to keep control of 40-acre sports complex
Outgoing IAF chief AP Singh asked the defence minister to keep the Air Force in control of its sports complex at Race Course Air Force Station in Delhi.
The about 40-acre site was being reclaimed by the housing ministry, and the complex had been closed to members.
The station is near the Prime Minister’s residence and provides administrative support to Air Headquarters and more than 5,000 personnel.
Singh said the station also houses accommodation, training areas, security infrastructure, a medical centre and other facilities, and has a role in countering drone threats.
The land transfer has raised concerns in defence circles about the station’s facilities and operational role.
New IAF chief Ashutosh Dixit is expected to take the matter forward, after Singh asked the defence minister to reconsider the transfer.
Outgoing Air Chief Marshal AP Singh asked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to keep about 40 acres containing the IAF Sports Complex under Indian Air Force control.
Singh made the request in a letter on October 26, five days before his retirement.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is reclaiming the sports complex, which is inside the Race Course Air Force Station near the Prime Minister’s residence.
Singh cited the station’s operational role and the facilities it provides to Air Force personnel.
The complex’s closure led to the cancellation of a farewell golf event planned for Singh.
- Who
- Outgoing Air Chief Marshal AP Singh asked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to act. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is reclaiming the land.
- What
- Singh asked the government to keep the land containing the IAF Sports Complex under IAF control.
- When
- Singh wrote to the defence minister on October 26, days before retiring on October 31.
- Where
- The land is within the Race Course Air Force Station in New Delhi, near the Prime Minister’s residence.
- Why
- Singh cited operational needs and the station’s facilities and support for Air Force personnel.
Indian Air Force
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Land control
Indian Air Force
AP Singh said it was prudent for the land housing the sports complex to remain under IAF control.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
MoHUA is reclaiming the sports complex land; it has not stated a reason for the move.
Use of the site
Indian Air Force
Singh cited the station’s operational role and its support and facilities for Air Force personnel.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
The sources do not state MoHUA’s view on the site’s use.
AP Singh wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asking him to keep the sports complex land under IAF control.
Singh’s farewell golf event was scheduled, but the complex’s closure forced its cancellation.
AP Singh retired as chief of the Indian Air Force.
- Land area
- About 40 acres
- Location
- Race Course Air Force Station, New Delhi
- Letter date
- October 26
- Retirement date
- October 31
- Personnel supported
- More than 5,000 Air Force personnel
What people are saying
it is prudent for the land housing the AFSC to remain under IAF’s control
the training, professional excellence, morale, safety, welfare and dignity