KATHMANDU, July 24

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is going to revamp Balaju Park and Ranipokhari and open them for public.

More than Rs 35 million has been allocated to revamp both the historic sites.

The walking trails and pavements will be reconstructed for the visitors’ mobility around the parks, and benches and resting platforms will be installed, according to KMC. Gardens and green open spaces will be available for exercise, meditation and sports.

According to metropolitan officials, Ranipokhari will be officially open for the public after the Department of Archaeology completes renovation of the Shiva Temple, located in the centre of the pond, which was damaged in the April 25 earthquake.

Ranipokhari earlier used to be open for public only during Chhath and Bhai Tika festivals. Likewise, the musical fountain installed in Ranipokhari will be regularly maintained and operated. KMC Chief Executive Officer Rudra Singh Tamang said, “Public institutions and private corporate houses will be encouraged to maintain and repair the musical fountain under the objectives of Corporate Social Responsibility.”

The musical fountain was installed last year for the 18th SAARC Summit with an investment of Rs 35 million.

The Balaju Park on the other hand has remained closed since the quake. The tremor had damaged the swimming pool and infrastructure on the premises of the park.

Tamang said, “The Park will be open for the public after it is furbished with greenery and infrastructure. The swimming pool and infrastructure will be repaired within this year,” he said, adding that picnic spots will also be redecorated.

Opening the two sites for public will help KMC generate revenue as well.

The metropolis has been generating a revenue of Rs 60,00,000 annually from the visitors. Hindu devotees visit the Balaju Park and bathe in the Baise Dhara during Baisakh Poornima, which falls in April.

KMC is yet to decide the entry fee for the visitors for Ranipokhari and Balaju Park. However, Rs 25 per person and Rs 15 for the students has been fixed as the entry fee at the recently reopened Ratna Park. KMC reopened Ratna Park on July 1 after reconstruction with an investment of Rs 8 million. The elderly citizens and differently-abled people, however, can enter the park free of cost.

The metropolis has been generating around Rs 15,000 per day, Tamang said, adding, “Ratna Park was reopened as a resting place and a recreational park for the travellers and pedestrians. They can visit the park, rest and enjoy the greenery.”