Frequent events at Dhanchiri Camp a security threat to airbase: IAF

Nearly two weeks after the terror attack at the Pathankot airbase, the Indian Air Force has expressed concern about the frequent events organised at the Dhanchiri Camp, located near the Rajokri air force station on the Delhi-Gurgaon border.

Nearly two weeks after the terror attack at the Pathankot airbase, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed concern about the frequent events organised at the Dhanchiri Camp, located near the Rajokri air force station on the Delhi-Gurgaon border.

According to sources, there is a makeshift structure set up for a marriage party and the organisers have sought approval from the Haryana tourism department. (Abhinav Saha/HT Photo)

In its letter to the Gurgaon administration, the IAF has asked the Gurgaon deputy commissioner to control the activities near the defence installation.

Dhanchiri Camp, spread across several acres, was developed for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Now, the camp is used for official functions and sometimes marriages too. Last year, it hosted several events and conferences – one being an annual conference for surgeons inaugurated by Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

The IAF has sought immediate intervention of the administration to ensure that the safety and security of the Rajokri air force station is not compromised by these frequent public gatherings.

The IAF officials also mentioned in its letter that several temporary constructions have been erected in the camp without permission from the air force. This is dangerous as range firing practice is held at the air force station regularly.

The letter went on to say that the height of the structures can lead to security breach as anyone can watch the activities in the station. Construction above 100-metre height around the outer parapet of the air force station is restricted by the ministry of defence.

Deputy commissioner TL Satyaprakash said, “Although the police station concerned has been informed to address the queries raised by the IAF, I will personally meet them to ensure that security is not compromised.”

According to sources, there is a makeshift structure set up for a marriage party and the organisers have sought approval from the Haryana tourism department.

But, principal secretary of the department Sumita Misra said, “I have not received any such intimation, I can comment once I receive the letter.”