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, observing that the shrinking green spaces in the national capital could worsen the city’s environmental challenges.

Hearing a petition filed by the Indian Polo Association against a May 20 eviction notice directing it to vacate the multi-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna questioned the rationale behind the proposed takeover and its impact on the city’s remaining open spaces.

“Delhi will suffocate. Whatever little breather we have in the NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) area that is going to go. We will all suffocate and die,” Justice Krishna orally said.

The court asked what the Centre is planning to do with the heritage structures located within the Gymkhana and Polo Club premises. It also asked whether the land would be used for high-rise construction. “...We have only highrises all over. Every colony has been demolished. If this is how you want Delhi to live, then God help us,” the court said.

The Centre defended the move, submitting that the land was required for public and defence purposes. It argued that there was limited space available in central Delhi and key government functions needed to be carried out from the area.

Plea filed

The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the Indian Polo Association had already challenged the eviction notice before a court at Patiala House under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. However, the trial court had issued notice in the matter without deciding its application seeking interim protection against eviction. Disposing of the writ petition, the High Court directed the Patiala House court to consider and decide the plea for a stay on the eviction notice on June 10.

(with inputs from PTI)