Revenue Division Chief Manoj Karna blames the economic downturn for a decline in trade activities, impacting their ability to collect taxes. The slump even hampered their plans for a Rs 500 million land tax haul, with only Rs 139 million collected so far. Chief Administrative Officer Matrika Bhattarai acknowledged the difficulty in managing resources due to this shortfall.

While Birgunj might not be hitting a financial home run this year, the example of Rs 49 million collected in house rent revenue shows a glimmer of hope for future innings.