Civil society groups, local organisations, and residents in Rupandehi have stepped in to help government offices resume services after they were damaged or set on fire during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9.

During the protests, the Area Police Office in ward 9 of Tilottama Municipality was severely damaged by fire, destroying all office materials and vehicles.

To help the office resume public services, Tilottama Guys, a local organisation, provided furniture, repainted the premises, and supplied materials for electrical wiring. The restoration work began on September 10, helping the office resume its services.

Pujan KC, chair of Tilottama Guys, said the protests had caused significant damage to service-providing institutions, prompting the organisation to seek support from locals to assist the police office. He added that they are also helping the traffic police office in Mangalapur, which was similarly affected.

KC emphasised that their organisation, focused on social work, was not involved in the protests but stepped in to support the offices. All donations and materials received were used to procure the items needed, with guidance and support from local community leaders.

The Jan Utthan Savings and Credit Cooperative also contributed by providing computers, cupboards, and other office materials. Traffic Police Office In-charge Sudip GC said all office furniture, the official vehicle, two motorcycles of police staff, impounded motorcycles and other equipment were destroyed by fire. He said that the support from organisations allowed the office to resume services for citizens.

Protesters also vandalised the Area Administration Office in Butwal, forcing it to close completely. Staff have now begun cleaning and restoring the office to make it operational.

Office chief Ramchandra Aryal said employees have been arriving early each day to carry out whatever work they can. With no immediate budget from the federal government, the office has sought support from local organisations to continue providing services to the public.

The Ex-Army Welfare Forum has also come forward showing readiness to replace the office’s glass panes, while the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industries, Rupandehi chapter, has committed to provide computers and printers. Aryal said they have also requested support for repainting.

He added that essential services should continue without interruption. From Sunday, the office will resume issuing copies of citizenship certificates and new citizenship documents.

For citizens urgently needing National ID cards and passports, three staff from the District Administration Office have been deputed to assist.