Delhi Race Club Confronts Eviction Crisis on Its 100th Anniversary
The Delhi Race Club marked a quiet centenary on March 8, but instead of celebrations, it is now grappling with an existential threat. The club has been served a formal notice by the Land and Development Office (L&DO), under the Union ministry of urban affairs, to vacate its expansive 53.2-acre property on Lok Kalyan Marg within just 15 days.
Livelihoods Hang in the Balance as Uncertainty Looms
This sudden development has sent shockwaves through the community that depends on the club. Hundreds of families, including members, horse owners, trainers, jockeys, suppliers, and vendors, face an uncertain future. The management is actively exploring options but remains unsure about how or where operations could be relocated. Col. S.K. Bakshi (Retd), secretary and CEO of the Delhi Race Club, expressed the dire situation: "While the decision was verbally conveyed to us on March 6, despite our presenting the factual position, a formal vacation notice was served by the L&DO on March 13." He added, "The management has been holding meetings, but the question remains — where will all of us go? These horses are not ordinary animals. They require specialised care and training, and relocating them will be an extremely complex task. Also, the place is centrally located."
In response, the club issued a circular on March 14, informing all stakeholders and advising them to make informed decisions to safeguard their interests. The venue, renowned for its distinctive horseshoe-shaped track, has long been a hub for horse racing enthusiasts, attracting dignitaries and celebrities over the decades.
A Century of History and Heritage at Risk
The land was first leased to the club on March 8, 1926, originally as the Delhi Gymkhana Race Club. Established to promote horse racing and the breeding of Indian horses, it was developed by British architects in the 1920s and formally incorporated in 1940–41 as the Delhi Race Club (1940) Limited. According to the L&DO notice, the lease was extended periodically, with the last extension valid until December 31, 1994. "After its expiry, no further extension or renewal was granted, therefore it has to be vacated," the notice stated.
Officials noted that this is the second such notice in eight years, following a similar one in November 2017. While the L&DO claims the land is needed for larger planning and development, sources suggest it may be integrated into the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Two years ago, alternative sites were proposed for relocation, but discussions stalled. Club officials emphasize the immense challenge of moving, with one stating: "Developing a racing track itself takes a long time, running into years. 15 days are nothing."
Personal Stories Highlight Human Impact
For workers like Nemi Pasvan, a native of Nalanda in Bihar who arrived 45 years ago as a stable groom, the club is more than a job—it is a lifetime of memories. He recalled starting with a salary of just Rs 250 a month and now fears unemployment: "We still don’t know what will happen after this notice. If the decision goes through, people like us will be left jobless at this age." Another worker, Chumchum, proudly cares for 'Treasure,' a multiple race winner among nearly 250 horses in the stables.
The club plans to approach the ministry again on Monday, hoping for a sympathetic review. As this historic institution faces potential closure, the fate of its legacy and the livelihoods it supports remains in limbo.
