"Priority to ensure operations continue without dislocation": Delhi Gymkhana Club seeks appointment with Housing Ministry
New Delhi, May 23
Delhi Gymkhana Club on Saturday said that it wants to continue the operations without dislocation, after the Centre ordered the re-entry and resumption of the club premises situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, citing urgent public purpose and national interest considerations.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been directed to hand over possession of the property to government representatives before June 5, failing which possession would be taken in accordance with law.
In response, the Officiating Secretary of the club urged a meeting appointment with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs officials.
The Secretary said that the club members have decided to write to the Land & Development Office (L&DO) of the ministry, as the issue involves the interests of the members and employees of the Club.
The Officiating Secretary said in a statement, "Pursuant to the sudden development, the GC today met on an urgent basis and after detailed deliberation decided to write an immediate response to L&DO requesting clarity on several issues in the interest of the members and employees of the Club."
"The communication also requests for an urgent appointment for the GC members to meet with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs officials. The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure that the operations of the Club continue without dislocation. Further developments will be communicated after the response is received," the statement read.
The government, however, had stated that the premises fall within a "highly sensitive and strategic area" of the national capital and are now critically required for strengthening defence infrastructure and other public security purposes.
The Centre said that the land is necessary for "urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects" integrated with adjoining government land parcels.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club is regarded as one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in India. It shifted to its present location in 1913 and was then known as the "Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club", with Spencer Harcourt Butler serving as its first President.
After India attained Independence in 1947, the word "Imperial" was dropped, and the institution came to be known simply as the Delhi Gymkhana Club. The club traces its origins to July 1913.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Seems like a classic case of club vs. government. The club says they want to continue operations, but the government says it's for national security. Honestly, if the land is truly needed for defence infrastructure, then it's hard to argue against that. But the June 5 deadline seems quite abrupt!
While I understand the national interest angle, the gymkhana club has been a cultural landmark for over a century. Many families have generations of memories there - weddings, parties, Sunday brunches. It's not just a building, it's heritage. The government should explore other options first instead of suddenly evicting them. 😔
The club's approach of seeking an appointment is respectful, but they need to be realistic. The government has cited national security - this isn't a trivial issue. Remember how many clubs and institutions have been lost to development in Delhi? The Lodhi Garden area itself has seen so many changes. However, I hope the club members' and employees' interests are genuinely considered.
It's interesting how this club started as the "Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club" in 1913, and now more than a century later, it's being asked to make way for national security. Times change, priorities change. But the suddenness of the order is concerning - these are people's livelihoods and long-standing traditions.
Having visited Gymkhana Club a few times, it really is a special place with its colonial architecture and serene atmosphere. But if the government says it's needed for defence infrastructure, who are we to argue? The club should negotiate terms and see
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.