On Thursday, a bulldozer began work at the well-known Delhi hippodrome, after which the federal government took control of 53 hectares of the club's land. Following the start of demolition work, a campaign to destroy the structures at the club was initiated.
This club has existed for about a hundred years and long served as a venue for races.
On Thursday morning, bulldozers appeared on the club grounds and began demolishing numerous old structures, including stables for horses. Furthermore, areas such as the bookmakers' ring and the finish line were destroyed. The structure related to the club's photo finish area was also affected by the operations.
The process of the club's land being taken over by the federal government had already been underway. The club had appealed to the court, requesting a temporary injunction to halt these actions. However, the Pahilawala House Court rejected the club's petition on Tuesday.
The court made this decision after an eviction order was issued on August 11. This order was issued by a land official in accordance with the law concerning the removal of unauthorized encroachments on public territory. Since the club did not receive relief from the court, the center continued its efforts to seize the territory.
This hippodrome land, located in the Lutzians Delhi area, near Lok Kalyan Marg, is considered very significant. The federal government has completely taken possession of this entire area. This was also stated in notices posted on the premises. The notice mentioned that officials had taken control of the land adjacent to the racetrack area, after which the property was transferred to the Land Use and Development Authority. This authority reports to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs of the central government.
The races held at the hippodrome were part of Delhi's long identity. Events related to horse racing have taken place here for many years. The club grounds contained stables for horses and various old structures associated with racing. After the bulldozers worked, the historical parts of the club lost their existence. This caused disappointment among people connected to the hippodrome. Thursday became a turning point for this nearly hundred-year-old institution.
After the center seized the land and demolished the old buildings, racing events here also ceased. The hippodrome land is now under the control of the federal government. It is not yet clear what construction or development work will be carried out on the site.