NEW DELHI: A DDA park in Kailash Vihar near Rohini Sector-21 has been under stagnant rain water for three months. With walking tracks and benches submerged, locals have found an unusual pastime — fishing.Overflowing drains have brought small fish into the park, attracting egrets — and local residents.Children now spend weekends catching fish in the dirty water. One of them, Sushant, made a fishing rod from a tree branch, while older residents came armed with a large net.The juniors caught 14 fish in two rounds, beating the seniors. “Our weekend recreation now is to find a shoal of fish in this stagnant, dirty water and catch them,” said Sandeep, a Class VII student.The amusement aside, the algaeridden pool is raising serious health concerns. A DDA official said the park is located in a lowying area. During heavy rain, water from adjoining roads and areas, including Aman Vihar, flows into the park, causing waterlogging.“As a precautionary measure for public safety, the park has remained temporarily closed since Aug 9. The matter has been taken up with the authorities concerned for priority rectification of the drainage system. DDA is taking necessary measures and the park will be reopened once it is safe for public use,” the official added.
