Parking cum link road over drain

The government has sanctioned a fund of Rs 52 crore to cover the Africa Avenue drain which will be later developed as a parking place.
The covering of Africa Avenue (Safdarjung Enclave to Raj Nagar) drain has brought relief to scores of residents who will be benefitted by the parking space cum link road to be developed on the drain.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has already floated the tenders.  The MCD officials informed that the construction work will begin within two weeks.
The residents are happy that their continuous efforts have yielded good results. A member of Efforts Group, Sudarshan Sobti said, "We raised the issue of stinking drain and demanded its coverage. We are thankful to the civic authorities who have finally paid heed to our demands. But if they make a jogging park on the drain it will be more beneficial."
General secretary of Efforts Group, Pankaj Aggarwal informed, "The project has been approved under JNNURM and has a provision of covering the 1.6 km drain, 28 meters of ROW and proposed water way of 11.50 meters."
In the year 2009, this project was sanctioned under JNNURM but due to technical reasons all projects of drain coverage were stopped in the city. The issue was put up with the LG on June 2011 for consideration where he approved it. The MCD announced for tender opening on December 2011 and finally the drains would be covered.
MLA Kiran Walia said, "It will be like a New Year gift for residents of Safdarujung Enclave and adjoining areas. We hope that work will be completed on time."