The verdant expanse of Delhi's Jaipur Polo Ground, a century-old social hub where royalty, diplomats, and industrialists once gathered for polo matches and lavish celebrations, has been requisitioned by government officials amidst a contentious debate over the fate of India's capital's dwindling green spaces. Critics warn that the six-hectare site will be used for high-rise developments in an already densely built-up city, exacerbating Delhi's struggles with air pollution and extreme heat.
For decades, the polo ground served as a winter social highlight, attracting an array of esteemed guests to watch matches and engage in post-game festivities. Despite its elite associations, it was also a rare open space where the public could watch polo freely amidst the bustling metropolis. The government's action comes amid ongoing court cases concerning the adjacent Delhi Gymkhana Club, an 11-hectare colonial-era site cherished by affluent Delhi families for generations.
Government lawyers claim that the land is intended for a 'larger public purpose and benefit', but details remain elusive. Opponents suspect that the plan involves constructing high-rise apartment blocks to house civil service and defence personnel, sparking a dual-pronged debate: some argue that prime land should not be reserved for an elite sport, while environmentalists vehemently oppose construction, highlighting the critical role green spaces play in mitigating Delhi's severe air pollution and extreme heat.
Environmental concerns were echoed by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court, who expressed alarm at developing high-rise flats on the polo grounds, which would push the city's already dense construction to breaking point. She pointed out that taking away Delhi's 'small lung' would exacerbate the city's existing struggles with heatwaves and 'urban heat islands', created by extensive concrete and asphalt.
Delhi's population has surged from 17 million in 2011 to approximately 23 million, placing immense pressure on infrastructure and public amenities. The loss of green spaces worsens challenges faced by outdoor workers and the less affluent, who lack air-conditioned relief from intense heat. This controversy underscores the significant tension between urban development needs and environmental preservation in one of the world's most populous and polluted cities.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals travelling to India to be aware of local laws and customs, and exercise caution in crowded areas. While this requisitioning has raised concerns about Delhi's green spaces, it is worth noting that the Indian government has launched initiatives to increase green cover and promote sustainable urban development.