KATHMANDU: People in this fast-paced city life often prefer outdoor recreational pursuits during weekends and holidays. But, what if the visit to parks and other recreational spots becomes an unpleasant experience?

Such is the condition of the famous parks in Kathmandu — Balaju Park, Ratna Park — and Rani Pokhari, as they are now in dilapidated condition, which are barely luring the townies.

The sorry state of affairs persists as the authority concerned — the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has not been able to look after such sites due to the lack of proper mechanism.

According to the KMC, the government transferred the two parks, Ranipokhari and Rastriya Sabha Griha at Bhrikutimandap to the civic body in 2002.

Nama Raj Dhakal, senior finance officer, KMC admits that the Balaju Park — the only biggest recreation centre in the Kathmandu Valley, which spreads in over 159 ropanies of land, and Ratna Park are in a pitiable condition. "The Balaju Park is dilapidated; Ratna Park has turned into centre of indecent activities while Rani Pokhari is no more than a dirty pond," Dhakal says matter-of-factly.

The Balaju Park houses a swimming pool, 22 water taps, a Hindu temple, greenery park and open space. The condition of park got worsened as the walls of upper parts were broken by the cadres of Constituent Assembly member Hisila Yami during the CA election campaign.

The KMC has been conspicuously negligent towards the renovation of the damaged recreational spots, said Deepak KC, an officer at the Public Private Partnership (PPP) for Urban Environment Section of the civic body. "The KMC tried to adopt PPP modality but to no avail," he added.

Dhakal said that the KMC called a bid to involve the private sector in the management of the Balaju Park in 2005. "However, it is still paralysed. Neither KMC could sign agreement with the bidder nor it could renovate the park by allocating sufficient budget," he said.

The Side Walker Pvt Ltd, which was coincidentally given the bid to manage Bhimsen Tower, was selected in the procurement of bid on Rs 52,000 per month for 20 years. "The agreement could not be signed due to the locals' protest and inefficiency of authorities despite the permission of the Ministry of Local Development," said Dhakal.

"We can earn at least Rs 100 million every year if the existing amenities are renovated," said Dhakal. "If we invest more on its development, the earning can multiply," he said.

Admitting lapses for the management, Deepak Koirala, assistant executive chief at the KMC, said that there was a vested game in tender process which prompted the failure. "Among others, the void of elected representatives in the local body has marred such programmes," he concluded.