Centre takes over 39.5 acres of land housing IAF’s sports complex at Race Course

NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force has handed over 39.5 acres of land housing its sports complex at Race Course Air Force Station on Lok Kalyan Marg to Land and Development Office (L&DO). The prime land parcel located close to PM's residence has sporting facilities, such as a golf course, swimming pool and restaurants.People aware of the development said complete take over of the green area has happened and now, a joi-nt survey will be conducted by Defence Estate Office, Indian Air Force and L&DO to determine the exact boundaries of the land and examine any variation in measurements.

TOI on Oct 4 had first reported that the housing and urban affairs ministry had communicated to the agency concerned to hand over the land currently used by Air Force Golf Course.This comes at a time when L&DO has expedited the process to get back land parcels close to PM's residence, which were earlier given on lease or were encroached, including those occupied by Delhi Race Club, Indian Polo Association and Delhi Gymkhana Club.The sports complex was established in 1940s.Though there has been no official statement on the purpose of getting back the land parcel and its usage, officials said this is part of govt's "larger scheme of things" for the efficient use of prime land parcels for public and strategic purposes.