Kathmandu: Three historical buildings have been damaged in the arson perpetrated during the recent Gen-Z protests. The historical palaces, which have stood for over 100 years, include Shital Niwas, the official residence and office of the President; Singha Durbar, the major federal administrative block; and Babar Mahal, which houses the Department of Roads. These buildings are considered heritages as per the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 2013.
According to National News Agency Nepal, apart from these three historical buildings, all other religious and cultural heritages have remained unaffected by the protests. The Spokesperson of the Department of Archaeology, Ram Bahadur Kunwar, stated that the department’s premises were spared due to the vigilance of individuals who stood guard at its gate, preventing a mob attack. However, two motorcycles belonging to the Department of Archaeology were destroyed during the unrest.
The protests also led to significant damage to the physical property of the Pashupati Area Development Trust. Gokarna Prasad Upadhyay, Information Officer at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, reported that seventeen two-wheelers and twenty-one four-wheelers belonging to the Trust were destroyed. The Ministry itself lost two two-wheelers and had three four-wheelers destroyed in the turmoil.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal reported the loss of sixteen four-wheelers, with partial damage recorded on three additional vehicles.