A government report has found that the Gen Z-led protests of September 8 and 9 resulted in the highest level of physical and human losses ever documented from a single movement in Nepal. The total damage is estimated at Rs 84.45 billion, equivalent to 1.38 percent of the country’s GDP, affecting state-owned as well as private property across multiple provinces. More than 2,600 buildings and over 12,000 vehicles were damaged, with Bagmati Province bearing the greatest share of destruction.
The protests also disrupted economic activity nationwide, particularly affecting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses, with nearly 3,000 people losing employment. The report highlights that insurance coverage was very low, meaning most of the reconstruction burden will fall on the government and individual owners.
The committee estimates that Rs 36.3 billion will be required to rebuild damaged public infrastructure and recommends completing reconstruction within three years. Key suggestions include creating a central reconstruction and recovery fund, strengthening building design and fire safety standards, making insurance compulsory for public property, and providing relief and support—such as medical treatment and skill training—for affected families and those who lost their jobs.
