NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday voiced serious concern over the Centre’s move to reclaim land occupied by the Indian Polo Association (IPA) and other institutions, including the Delhi Gymkhana Club. The court stressed that the loss of green spaces could make the national capital increasingly unlivable.Hearing a petition filed by the IPA challenging an eviction notice for the 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna made the observations on Monday.She said Delhi was already grappling with pollution and a steady decline in open spaces, news agency ANI reported.“Delhi will choke. Whatever little breather we have in the NDMC area is also going away. We will all suffocate and die,” the court orally remarked while questioning the motive behind the sudden takeover.The Centre, however, told the court that the land was required for defence infrastructure and other public purposes. Appearing for the government, counsel Ashish Dixit stated that central Delhi is struggling with limited space and that the government needs space to function, ANI reported.Meanwhile, the court raised concerns over whether the move would result in further construction and high-rise development in the city when green cover is shrinking, and open spaces are vanishing. “What are you going to make Delhi into?” the court asked.The IPA informed the court that it has already challenged the eviction order passed by the Estate Officer on May 20 before the District and Sessions Judge at Patiala House Courts, and has sought a stay on the order. The association said its urgent plea for interim relief was not heard and the matter was adjourned to July 23.Taking note of the submissions, the high court disposed of the petition and directed the parties to appear before the District and Sessions Judge on June 10 for consideration of the stay application.During the hearing, government counsel also informed the court that no immediate eviction action was likely before Friday.Meanwhile, the Centre has similarly sought possession of land occupied by the Delhi Gymkhana Club, stating that it is required for urgent institutional and governance needs, as well as other public-interest projects.(With agency inputs)
