The Delhi High Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the Central Government’s proposal to take over properties in the Lutyens’ Delhi area, including land occupied by the Indian Polo Association and the Delhi Gymkhana Club, warning that the move could further reduce the already scarce green spaces in the national capital.
Justice Neena Bansal made the remarks while hearing a plea filed by the Indian Polo Association challenging an eviction notice issued by the authorities. During the hearing, the Court repeatedly questioned the rationale behind the proposed takeover and its potential impact on Delhi’s environment and urban landscape. Observing that open and green spaces in the city were rapidly diminishing, the Court remarked:
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“Delhi will choke. God save us all if this is how you want Delhi to live…Little breather we have in the NDMC area is also gonna go and all of us are going to suffocate and die.”
Questioning the government’s plans for the land, the court asked whether the authorities intended to replace the open areas with high-rise buildings. The Court indicated that preserving green spaces was crucial in a city already grappling with severe air pollution and urban congestion.
Appearing for the Central Government, Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit defended the decision, submitting that the land was required for public and defence purposes. He argued that there was limited availability of land in Central Delhi and that various government functions needed to be carried out from the area itself.
The Court, however, remained concerned about the broader consequences of the proposed takeover and the reduction of open spaces within the capital.
After hearing the parties, the High Court disposed of the petition with a direction to the Patiala House Court to take up and decide the Indian Polo Association’s application seeking a stay on the eviction notice expeditiously. The trial court has been directed to hear the stay application on Wednesday.
The dispute arises from the Centre’s efforts to reclaim certain properties in the Lutyens’ Delhi area, a move that has triggered concerns among occupants and heritage institutions regarding the future use of the land and the preservation of green spaces in the heart of the capital.
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