Status of Singha Durbar after Vandalism and Arson

The country has faced massive physical loss and damage during the Gen Z protests, which were aimed at controlling corruption, lifting the social media ban, and promoting youth leadership.

The demonstrations turned violent on Tuesday, following Monday’s clashes in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, where protesters attempted to break into the prohibited zone, resulting in a huge loss of lives. Irreparable damage has been caused to key institutions and structures across the country, including the main administrative complex.

Archaeologically significant sections of the Singha Durbar-based Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers—recently reconstructed after the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake—have been destroyed.

Even 24 hours after the arson, smoke was still rising from many ministry buildings inside Singha Durbar. The Ministries of Home; Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Finance; Education, Science and Technology; Federal Affairs and General Administration; Health and Population; and Physical Infrastructure and Transport were reported to be the most affected.

The parliamentary party offices of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML inside Singha Durbar have also been completely damaged. Around 1,000 vehicles parked in the administrative compound were vandalized and set on fire. Employees reported that protesters destroyed and looted important items such as computers, printers, laptops, and chairs.

The National Investigation Department and other government structures were also vandalized, looted, and torched. Important documents related to state operations within the ministries appear to have been scattered or destroyed.

The main administrative buildings remained largely deserted on Tuesday after the attacks. Outside the complex, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office was completely destroyed by fire. The office reported that the building, residences, essential supplies, more than 400 vehicles, and over 200,000 driving licenses were reduced to ashes.

The Metro Traffic FM station and its building also suffered significant damage, while the Supreme Court was similarly affected. Court officials confirmed that important records, verdicts, files, documents, equipment, and infrastructure were destroyed.

Efforts were ongoing to control the fire and clear the damaged structures as of Wednesday. As part of their pre-announced program, Gen Z protesters also participated in waste clean-up activities in the capital on Wednesday. -- RSS