Status of Singha Durbar after vandalism and arson: Huge loss caused to key structures in ministries; Important materials robbed

Kathmandu, Sept 10: The country has faced a colossal physical loss and damage in the course of the Gen Z protests that were meant for controlling corruption, lifting social media ban and establishing youth leadership.

The demonstrations took a violent turn on Tuesday with the huge loss of lives in the clash that ensued on Monday while the protestors attempted to break the prohibited zone in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. An irreparable loss has been caused to the key institutions and structures across the country, including the main administrative complex.

Archaeologically important, most of the parts of the Singha Durbar-based Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, which was recently reconstructed after the Gorkha Earthquake, 2015, have been destroyed. Even after 24 hours of the arson, smoke is still billowing from most of the ministry buildings within Singha Durbar.

The ministries of Home, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Finance, Education, Science and Technology, Federal Affairs and General Administration, Health and Population, Physical Infrastructure and Transport appear to be the most affected. Similarly, the Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML)’s parliamentary party offices in Singha Durbar have been completely damaged.

Around a thousand vehicles parked inside the main administrative hub have been vandalized and set on fire. Employees from the respective ministries have reported that protesters have destroyed and robbed important materials such as computers, printers, laptops, and chairs. It can be estimated that the State has incurred a huge loss of property from this event.

Protesters have also looted, vandalized and set ablaze the National Investigation Department and other structures. It appears that important documents related to the State operations within the ministries have been scattered due to the arson. The main administrative building remained largely deserted today after the protesters’ attack.

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, located outside the Singha Durbar complex, has also been completely destroyed by the fire. The office reported that the office building, residences, essential supplies, more than four hundred vehicles, and over two hundred thousand driving licenses have been turned into ashes. The Metro Traffic FM station and building have also suffered significant damage from the fire.

Similarly, the Supreme Court has also been damaged by the fire. The court administration has stated that important records, verdicts, files, and documents, along with equipment and physical structures, have been destroyed there. Efforts are still on control the fire and clean up the damaged physical structures.

As per the pre-determined programme of the Gen Z, citizens have also proactively participated in the waste clean-up efforts during today’s protests.