KATHMANDU, Jan 13: A government assessment has revealed that the two-day Gen Z-led protests on September 8 and 9 caused the most extensive physical and human losses recorded so far from a single movement in Nepal, affecting both state-owned and private property across the country.
According to a detailed report submitted by a high-level committee formed by the government, the protests resulted in physical damage worth Rs 84.45 billion. The findings were presented to the prime minister by a five-member committee mandated to assess losses and prepare a reconstruction plan for damaged public infrastructure.
The committee was formed following a Cabinet decision on September 21 and was led by National Planning Commission Secretary Ravilal Panth. Other members included senior officials from the Ministry of Urban Development, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the Central Bureau of Statistics, and a representative from the Gen Z movement.
Damage equal to 1.38 percent of GDP
The report notes that the total losses amount to 1.38 percent of Nepal’s gross domestic product and 4.3 percent of the current fiscal year’s national budget. Of the total damage, the public sector accounted for 53 percent followed by the private sector at 40 and the remaining 7 percent by community and other areas.
Buildings and vehicles hit hardest
Immeasurable
A total of 2,671 buildings were damaged nationwide, nearly 80 percent of which were government-owned. Losses related to buildings alone are estimated at Rs 39.31 billion. The protests also saw unprecedented levels of vandalism and arson targeting vehicles.
In total, 12,659 vehicles were damaged, with losses valued at Rs 12.93 billion. Additional losses include other physical assets valued at Rs 20.36 billion, cash and precious metals worth Rs Rs 2.81 billion, and temporary structures worth Rs 7.01 billion.
Bagmati bears the brunt
Bagmati Province emerged as the epicentre of destruction, accounting for 66.5 percent of the total physical damage. Losses in the province alone are estimated at Rs 56.23 billion. Around 74 percent of damaged buildings and 58 percent of affected vehicles were located in Bagmati. In contrast, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces recorded relatively lower levels of damage.
Economic activity and jobs disrupted
Beyond physical destruction, the protests significantly disrupted economic activity. The report estimates losses of Rs 13.87 billion in the goods and services sector. Employment impacts were also substantial, with 2,999 people affected—2,353 of whom lost their jobs entirely. Hotels, restaurants, and small businesses were among the hardest hit.
Insurance gaps exposed
The assessment highlights serious weaknesses in Nepal’s insurance coverage. Of the damaged buildings, only 4.9 percent—just 130 structures—were insured. As a result, the burden of reconstruction has largely fallen on the state and individual owners. In the case of vehicles, only 22.1 percent were insured.
Rs 36 billion needed for reconstruction
The committee estimates that Rs 36.30 billion will be required to rebuild damaged public infrastructure. Major allocations include Rs 3.15 billion for the federal parliament building, Rs 2.26 billion for the Prime Minister’s Office, Rs 1.33 billion for agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Rs 1.03 billion for the Ministry of Health.
Human toll hits youth hardest
The report confirms that 77 people lost their lives during the protests—73 men and four women. Nearly half of the deceased, 39 individuals, were between 13 and 28 years old. Injuries were reported among 2,429 people, including 1,433 youths from the same age group, underscoring the heavy toll on the younger generations.
Key recommendations
The committee has proposed completing reconstruction within three years through a phased plan. Its major recommendations include establishing a central reconstruction and recovery fund, making insurance mandatory for public property, enforcing resilient building designs and fire safety standards, and providing relief to victims’ families, free treatment for the injured, and skill development programmes for those who lost their jobs .
