KATHMANDU: Almost 2,000 government vehicles were burned or vandalized across Nepal during the recent protests, with the highest number in Kathmandu. Many were parked inside Singha Durbar and nearby offices when the violence broke out.
A government report shows that Singha Durbar lost 444 small vehicles and 609 motorcycles or scooters. The worst-hit offices were the Supreme Court, the Department of Roads, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration and the Ministry of Forests and Environment.
The Department of Roads said about 65 four-wheelers and 75 to 80 two-wheelers were destroyed. Other agencies reported similar losses. The Prime Minister’s Office lost 47 small vehicles and 74 motorcycles.
The Finance Ministry reported 36 small vehicles and 45 motorcycles, while the Home Ministry lost 25 small vehicles and 30 motorcycles. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration said 33 small vehicles, two buses and 36 motorcycles were damaged.
Vehicles at police, provincial and local government offices were also set on fire. Officials said the number of damaged vehicles could rise as more inspections are completed. Many of the destroyed vehicles will be sold as scrap.
