The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has collected Rs 2.4 million in revenue as fee from visitors entering Ratna Park in the past in the past four months.

Officials said a total of 106,734 people visited the park since it was re-opened on June 30. Of the total visitors, 80,693 were adults and 26,041 were students.

KMC officials, however, said that the ongoing fuel crises caused by India’s unofficial blockade led to the decrease in the number of visitors in the past one month. “Otherwise, the number of visitors would be higher, as people would have come here to bask in the sun for the winter is already here,” said Harisharan KC, an official at the KMC’s Environment Division.

According to the division, around 889 people used to visit the park in a day before the fuel crisis began and now the number has decreased to 250.

Likewise, the shortage of petroleum products has also adversely affected the proposed development of other infrastructures in the park. The metropolis had announced to provide free Wi-Fi

system and a set up a café inside the park. However, the plan has not been materialised due to the ongoing crisis.

“We are planning to provide these facilities very soon,” said Rabin Man Shrestha, chief of the Environment Division.

Located at the heart of the Capital, Ratna Park underwent a complete facelift this year at the cost of Rs 8 million. Officials said they are still working to upgrade the park’s greenery, disabled friendly toilet and turn it into a more child-friendly destination.

Currently, 12 people are employed by the metropolis for the regular maintenance and security surveillance of the park that spreads over 42 ropanis of land. In order to manage the park, the metropolis charges Rs 25 for adults and Rs 15 for students to enter the area. Entry to the park is free for the elderly, differently able people and children.

KMC officials said a majority of visitors are from the 20-35 age group and the park also welcomes seven elderly people and seven differently-baled people a day.