Urban Development Ministry to Prepare Gen-Z Protest Damage Report in Three Days

The Ministry of Urban Development is preparing to compile a full report within three days on losses to physical structures, vehicles, and other property caused by arson and vandalism during the September 9 Gen-Z protests.

A meeting chaired by Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel on Sunday directed officials to collect details of the destruction. Ministry spokesperson Narayan Prasad Mainali said protesters burned 50 vehicles belonging to the ministry, damaged others, and stole equipment, including computers.

“Although most of the buildings within the Singh Durbar complex were burned, the Urban Development Ministry’s building was spared. However, looters took various assets and fire destroyed our vehicles,” Mainali said, adding that staff arrived on foot to work because no vehicles remained. “We will turn mourning into strength and submit a damage report within three days.”

Secretary Sigdel reported that flames destroyed about 60 percent of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction. “We face uncertainty about where to work now,” he said. “We are gathering information on damage to ministry-constructed buildings, including the minister’s official residence, while cleaning the premises and planning the next steps.”

Engineers Offer Free Technical Support for Reconstruction

The Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), the umbrella body of the nation’s engineers, announced free technical assistance for damage assessment and reconstruction following the protests.

General Secretary Binod Prakash Pandit said Nepal’s technical workforce, which played a key role in rebuilding after the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes, will again provide expertise without charge.

NEA President Subash Chandra Baral said the association began preliminary inspections Sunday of the Supreme Court, Kathmandu District Court, and Nepal Bar Association buildings. The team is conducting on-site inspections, risk assessments, alternative management planning, and feasibility studies to guide reconstruction. -- RSS