What Were the Impacts of the GenZ Protests in Nepal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 77 lives were lost during the GenZ protests.
- Property damages totaled NPR 84.45 billion.
- 2,429 individuals were injured.
- 54 districts and 262 local levels were affected.
- Significant damage occurred to critical infrastructure.
Kathmandu, Dec 11 (NationPress) The GenZ protests in Nepal led to a grievous loss of 77 lives and inflicted damage on infrastructure amounting to NPR 84.45 billion, according to findings from a government-appointed committee.
The committee, tasked with evaluating the destruction during the protests on September 8 and 9, and formulating a reconstruction strategy, presented its report to Prime Minister Sushila Karki last Thursday.
As per the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the death toll included 20 fatalities on September 8, 37 on September 9, and an additional 20 in the subsequent days, culminating in a total of 77. The protests led to extensive devastation of public and private properties, particularly on September 9, in retaliation for the deaths of GenZ demonstrators the day before.
According to the committee's report, led by National Planning Commission Secretary Ravilal Pantha, 2,429 individuals suffered injuries during the nationwide unrest. Among the injured, 17 were under 13 years old and 1,433 were aged 13 to 28. The protests affected 54 out of 77 districts and 262 local levels, resulting in the downfall of the government led by KP Sharma Oli and the ascension of the current administration under Karki.
In terms of infrastructural damage, government assets worth NPR 44.93 billion were destroyed, alongside losses in the private sector estimated at NPR 33.54 billion.
Critical government buildings, including those within Singha Durbar—Nepal's primary administrative hub—were set ablaze. The Bhatbhateni Departmental Store, the nation’s largest retail chain, along with Hotel Hilton Kathmandu, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, and the warehouse of Chaudhary Group, owned by Nepal’s sole billionaire Binod Chaudhary, suffered severe damage due to arson.
Overall, 2,671 buildings were affected, with estimated losses around NPR 39.31 billion. Furthermore, 12,659 vehicles were damaged, leading to losses of NPR 12.93 billion.
The community and various sectors incurred damages totaling NPR 5.97 billion. In the reported government losses, 68% were attributed to the federal government, while provincial and local levels accounted for 10% and 22%, respectively.