On September 8 and 9, the Gen-Z protests resulted in fires at Singha Durbar, the main administrative center of the country. The Supreme Court building and Shital Niwas, the Office of the President, were also set on fire. The International Convention Centre, constructed with Chinese support and utilized by the Federal Parliament, sustained fire damage. Both government facilities and private sector enterprises were targeted. Residences of political leaders were also affected. Despite extensive damage, both the government and private sector have initiated efforts to restore normal operations. The government established an investigative commission, chaired by Gauri Bahadur Karki, to examine the incidents and determine the underlying causes.
The private sector, which accounts for approximately 81% of the national economy and provides 86 % of employment, sustained significant losses during the protests. Organizations such as the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) are compiling comprehensive damage assessments. Preliminary data indicate that private sector losses total approximately NPR 80 billion, according to FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal. President Dhakal emphasized that repeated targeting of the private sector during protests poses a serious concern and reflects insufficient recognition of its economic role. In response, the government announced relief packages tailored to private sector requirements, which the FNCCI has welcomed.
Bhatbhateni Supermarket, a major retail chain with nationwide operations, was among the businesses attacked. Chairperson Min Bahadur Gurung reported losses of NPR 10.85 billion to Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Of the 28 stores, 12 were completely destroyed and nine sustained partial damage; 16 stores have since resumed operations. The company announced that no employees would be dismissed during the Dashain festival closure and committed to maintaining salaries and allowances. Goods valued at Rs 59, 63,03,593 stored in Bhatbhateni outlets were destroyed by fire. An additional NPR 500 million in merchandise was damaged due to vandalism and looting.
The main office of telecommunications provider Ncell in Lainchaur was subjected to arson on September 9, resulting in damage to more than 24 vehicles. The first floor of the headquarters was burned, and looting extended to the tenth floor, including theft of employees’ personal property. Ncell offices in Pokhara, Dhangadhi, and Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, were also vandalized and set on fire. Approximately 400 employees are currently working remotely. Despite these incidents, Ncell provided free voice, internet, and SMS services for three days, similar to Nepal Telecom. Over 100,000 individuals involved in Ncell’s SIM card sales and related activities were affected. The FNCCI reported that attacks on associations, industries, and commercial establishments have severely impacted the private sector’s capacity to support employment and economic activity.
The Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) reported that hotels incurred losses of approximately NPR 25 billion during the Gen-Z protests. The Hilton hotel in Kathmandu alone reported losses of around NPR 8 billion. Hotels such as Mala Inn in Dang and Nepali Rika Hotel in Morang were attacked, reportedly due to alleged political affiliations. Sarovar Hotel, Bagaincha Resort, Goodwill Hotel, and Ashumbhara Hotel in Pokhara were set on fire and vandalized, while Varnabas Hotel in Kathmandu was also targeted.
CG Corp Global properties, including CG Park in Gurjudhara and owned by Binod Chaudhary, experienced arson, vandalism, and looting. Chaudhary’s residence was also attacked and burned. Preliminary estimates indicate damages to the Chaudhary Group total approximately NPR 5 billion.
The Chandragiri Cable Car base station, affiliated with FNCCI President Dhakal, was looted and vandalized, resulting in its continued closure. The Maulakalika Cable Car also sustained significant damage, and its reopening remains uncertain. The IME Group, led by Dhakal, has plans to construct cable cars in all seven provinces; however, its office in Pathivara was attacked and vandalized. Car showrooms in Thapathali, Pani Pokhari, and Naxal in Kathmandu were set on fire, resulting in substantial property losses. Business representatives reported that arson and vandalism during the Gen-Z protests, which coincided with auto exhibitions and trade fairs, caused significant losses in the automotive sector.
During this period, the government initiated an assessment of public property damages resulting from the protests. A committee led by the National Planning Commission Secretariat, in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, relevant ministries, and Gen-Z representatives, was assigned to submit a damage assessment report within 45 days. The government also decided to waive and auction damaged physical structures, vehicles, machinery, and tools within Singha Durbar. To facilitate the resumption of operations for industries, commercial establishments, and economic activities affected by the Gen-Z protests, the Government of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank, and insurance companies have implemented several relief programs, according to Finance Minister Dr. Rameshwar Khanal. These measures include up to 50% customs duty exemption on imported reconstruction materials and advance insurance coverage for up to 50% of damages. The government has also extended loan repayment periods for affected businesses. Those unable to repay loans will have access to concessional loans and national-level reconstruction funds.
The government has also established a reconstruction fund, to which Nepalis domestically and abroad may contribute. Finance Minister Khanal stated that banks, financial institutions, and industrial establishments may allocate funds under corporate social responsibility, with tax deductions permitted for such contributions. Prime Minister Sushila Karki urged the private sector to recover and pledged comprehensive government support. During a meeting with private sector representatives on September 21, the Prime Minister recognized the extensive damages from the Gen-Z protests and emphasized the shared challenge faced by both the state and private sector. The government is preparing a corrective package to support economic recovery.
Insurance claims for damages resulting from the Gen-Z protests have reached Rs 22,256,500,000. The Nepal Insurance Authority reported that Bagmati Province accounts for the highest number of claims, totaling NPR 17,977,200,000, with 1,343 applications received. Across 18 insurance companies, including microinsurance providers, a total of 2,478 claims have been submitted. The number of claims is expected to increase due to the extensive physical property damage. These figures pertain exclusively to private sector losses, as government structures are uninsured and ineligible for compensation.
Data from the Nepal Insurance Authority indicate that Oriental Insurance Company received claims totaling Rs 5,229,800,000, while Siddhartha Insurance received Rs 5,082,800,000. The claims comprise 538 property insurance applications, 1,778 motor insurance, 132 engineering and contractor risk, 11 transport insurance, and 19 other categories.