Government Issues Eviction Notices for Prime Land in Delhi
The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Urban Affairs has formally served eviction notices to the Delhi Race Club and the Indian Polo Association (IPA). The notices demand the vacation of a combined 68-acre prime land parcel situated on Lok Kalyan Marg, directly opposite the Prime Minister's official residence. This action marks the second such notice issued by the L&DO in the past eight years, with the previous one delivered in November 2017.
Details of the Land Parcels and Notices
The land in question comprises two distinct parcels. The Jaipur Polo Ground, managed by the Indian Polo Association, spans 15.2 acres. The Delhi Race Club occupies a larger 53.2-acre area. Both entities have been occupying these lands for over three decades following the expiration of their respective leases. The market value of this extensive property is estimated to be in the thousands of crores of rupees, given its prestigious location in the heart of the national capital.
The notices state that the land is required "for public purpose, as part of the larger planning and development of the area under the government's control." While the specific intent is not detailed, a senior official from the Urban Affairs Ministry indicated that this move is part of a broader redevelopment plan for the area.
Timelines and Historical Context
The Indian Polo Association has been directed to vacate the premises within 15 days. However, a definitive timeline for the Delhi Race Club has not been specified. Historically, the land for the Jaipur Polo Ground was originally leased in 1930 to the Delhi Polo Club, with the lease last extended until March 31, 1993. For the Delhi Race Club, the government initially allotted 84.5 acres on a perpetual lease in 1926. In 1959, a portion was reclaimed by the government, leaving the club with 53.2 acres, whose lease expired in December 1994.
This recent action follows a pattern of land reclamation in the vicinity. Last month, the L&DO issued notices to over 700 households in slum settlements such as Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp, and DID Camp, located near the Race Course and Jaipur Polo Ground Road. These residents were asked to vacate by March 6 and relocate to flats allotted at the DUSIB Colony in Savda Ghevra.
Reactions and Ongoing Discussions
Vikram Rathore, the International Polo Federation's polo ambassador from India and co-owner of the Achiever's Polo Team, expressed dismay over the notices. He highlighted the historical significance of the land, noting that the Jaipur Polo Ground and the PM's residence are on land originally belonging to the erstwhile Jaipur Estate. This land was gifted by the late Maharaja Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur to the Union of India during Independence and was subsequently leased to the Ministry of Urban Affairs.
The Indian Polo Association has scheduled an executive committee meeting for March 26, 2026, to discuss the matter. Over the past few years, the L&DO has engaged in multiple rounds of discussions with both the Delhi Race Club and the IPA. These talks included potential alternatives such as the allotment of land at different locations, but no conclusive decisions were reached.
The issuance of these eviction notices underscores the government's focused efforts on urban redevelopment and optimal utilization of high-value land in central Delhi, aligning with broader public infrastructure and planning objectives.
