Govt panel puts Gen Z protest damages at Rs 84.45 billion

KATHMANDU: A government committee formed to evaluate losses from the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9 has said that the two days of protest caused physical damages worth around Rs 84.45 billion.

The committee led by National Planning Commission (NPC) Secretary Ravilal Pantha submitted its report to Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday.

The government formed the committee on October 21.

According to the report, all seven provinces experienced damage during the protests. Damages were recorded in 262 local units of 54 districts. Likewise, it has reported 77 fatalities linked to the protests—20 deaths on September 8, 37 on September 9, and 20 more in subsequent days. Likewise, a total of 2,429 people, including 17 children below the age of 13, were injured.

A total of 2,168 government offices were affected, with damage reported to 2,671 buildings estimated at Rs 39.31 billion. Additionally, 12,659 vehicles were damaged, resulting in losses worth Rs 12.93 billion. Damage to government and public infrastructure amounted to Rs 44.93 billion, while losses in the private sector were estimated at Rs 33.54 billion. Community and other sectors suffered losses worth Rs 5.97 billion, according to the committee.

The committee has said that Rs 36.30 billion will be required to repair damaged infrastructure.