Disposal of debris from fire-damaged buildings in the Kathmandu Valley could take months, as the city office says it can begin collection only after settlement of insurance-related issues.

Officials at the Environment Department under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City said building owners have not allowed waste collectors to remove debris, citing unresolved insurance issues.

“I also don’t have an answer about how long it would take to clear the debris from the burnt buildings,” said Sarita Rai, chief of the department. “Currently, we are only collecting debris from roads and burnt police stations.”

Scores of government office buildings, police stations, private and official residence of ministers, as well as businesses were destroyed during September 8-9 protests launched by Gen Z youths.

According to the latest count, at least 74 people have been confirmed dead and over 1,800 injured in the protests against rampant corruption and a social media ban, which was later lifted.

Last week’s protests were the most violent in Nepal’s history, when key government institutions including the federal parliament, the federal government secretariat at Singha Durbar that houses several ministries, the Supreme Court, and dozens of police offices and stations were torched or vandalised in Kathmandu. Big businesses, including Bhatbhateni supermarkets, and several banks, and politicians’ private residences also came under attack, while government offices and police stations in many districts were also vandalised or torched.

Officials at the city office said they have not entered Singha Durbar and the destroyed Bhatbhateni Super Market buildings, as they are told that waste disposal would start only after insurance matters are settled. They also said that the metropolitan staffers are currently collecting only hazardous debris including broken glass, burnt furniture and destroyed vehicles from roads and police stations.

“We have also requested private waste collecting companies for the collection of debris in their areas,” said Rai. “Also, the interim government’s decision to cut costs does not allow us to hire additional waste collectors. It will take months to clear the debris.”

Since last fiscal year, the Kathmandu metropolis has started segregating degradable and non-degradable household waste in its bid to reduce the volume being dumped at landfill sites. Degradable waste is being turned into compost at the KMC’s waste transfer station. Officials said that the metropolis is also using reagents to speed up the compost-making process.

Officials said debris from destroyed buildings, including broken glass, burnt furniture, electronics, electrical goods, vehicles, among others, fall under hazardous waste categories and cannot be recycled in Nepal.

The Kathmandu Valley produces over 1,200 tonnes of solid waste daily, with nearly 60 percent originating from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City alone. Experts estimate that 60 percent of the organic waste originating in the Valley can be converted into compost, while the remaining 30 percent of non-degradable waste can be recycled.