The Air Force Sports Complex (AFSC), situated within the Air Force Station on Lok Kalyan Marg, was closed until further notice on Wednesday. The sudden directive has created a sense of uncertainty for the complex's roughly 5,000 members and more than 300 employees, while sparking concern among both serving and retired military personnel regarding the loss of a significant social and recreational hub in the heart of the national capital.
Spanning approximately 30 acres, the AFSC features a range of amenities including a golf course, which ranks among the oldest in Delhi, as well as a swimming pool, a basketball court, meeting rooms, a party hall, and three restaurants. Beyond its recreational utility, the complex serves as a vital ecosystem for the defence community, providing veterans with a space to connect with former colleagues and access nearby facilities like clinics and canteens.
The closure, which reportedly followed a notification received by the complex administration on Monday, has had immediate repercussions on planned events. The traditional “golfing-out” ceremony for the outgoing Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, which was scheduled for Wednesday, had to be cancelled due to the shutdown. Members noted that while the restaurants remained accessible on Tuesday, the entire complex was fully restricted by Wednesday.
The development is part of an ongoing government initiative to reclaim various land parcels in the vicinity of Lok Kalyan Marg. This year has seen several high-profile institutions in Lutyens’ Delhi, including the Delhi Race Club and the Jaipur Polo Ground, face eviction orders. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has cited the requirement of these lands for public purposes and defence infrastructure projects as the driving force behind these actions. Additionally, eviction proceedings are currently pending in court regarding the 27-acre premises of the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
Reports suggest that the Indian Air Force has urged relevant authorities to reconsider the decision concerning the AFSC. The IAF has highlighted that the land is not merely a social space but also hosts training and sports facilities essential for Agniveers. According to a source, the closure of such facilities could negatively impact the morale of personnel who utilize the space for regular training and community engagement.
For the staff, particularly those employed as caddies on the golf course, the sudden closure has caused significant distress. Caddies typically earn between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 per day based on the number of players they assist. Staff members expressed that they were blindsided by the notice, stating that they were told not to report for work just days after rumors of the closure had circulated. Without prior warning, many now find themselves struggling to secure immediate alternative employment.
As the site remains closed, the future of the complex and the surrounding land parcel continues to be a subject of intense discussion among the defence community. While the government maintains that these land acquisitions are necessary for broader public purposes and infrastructure development, the loss of the facility remains a point of contention for those who viewed it as an integral part of the armed forces' support network in the city.
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