The Delhi High Court has raised concerns about the Centre's plan to take over several green spaces in Lutyens' Delhi, including the Delhi Gymkhana Club and Jaipur Polo Ground. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna warned that the move could worsen environmental conditions in the capital.
The Delhi High Court on Monday expressed concern over the Centre’s move to take over properties in Lutyens’ Delhi, including the Delhi Gymkhana Club, the Indian Polo Club and the Delhi Race Club. The court was hearing a petition filed by the Indian Polo Association against a May 20 eviction notice for the Jaipur Polo Ground. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna questioned the rationale behind the proposed takeover. “Delhi will suffocate. Whatever little breather we have in the NDMC area that is going to go. We will all suffocate and die,” she said. The court also asked what the Centre plans to do with heritage structures on the premises and whether the land would be used for high-rise construction. The Centre defended the move, stating that the land was required for public and defence purposes due to limited space in central Delhi. The High Court directed the Patiala House Court to decide on June 10 a plea for a stay on the eviction notice.