The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has resumed normal operations today following a period of disruption. The ministry announced that all its departments and affiliated agencies are now functioning as usual after circumstances began to stabilize.
According to Secretary Hariprasad Mainali, all work under the ministry had been suspended until Bhadra 27 due to protests related to the ‘Gen Z’ demonstrations. With the end of the prohibition period and the weekend on Bhadra 28, regular operations across all government and private offices have resumed from Bhadra 29.
The ministry has clarified that while routine administrative work has restarted, previously announced programs and upcoming initiatives will only be carried out after the reinstatement of the minister.
Minimal Damage to the Tourism Ministry
Despite the protests, the Tourism Ministry reported minimal damage. Some glass panels on the ground floor were broken, and a few vehicles were damaged. Secretary Mainali was seen managing daily operations and receiving briefings from department heads, with most ministry staff present at the office.
Civil Aviation Authority Faces Significant Fire Damage
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), located in the old Babermahal building, suffered fire damage during the unrest. Employees of the Babermahal office have temporarily relocated to the central office in Sinamangal.
Spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul reported that administrative, finance, internal audit, quality, communication navigation, fire safety, internal airport facilities, legal, ATM, and the Director General’s secretariat structures were destroyed by the fire. The central library and storage lost all materials, and more than twelve vehicles were damaged.
To assess the extent of the damage, CAAN has formed a 13-member committee led by Baburam Pokharel, tasked with evaluating losses and submitting a detailed report within 15 days.
Nepal Airlines Reports Vandalism
Nepal Airlines also faced vandalism, including the burning of half a dozen vehicles. Despite these incidents, the airline confirmed that administrative and operational work continues without major disruptions.
Department of Archaeology Unaffected
The Department of Archaeology, headed by Director General Shaubhagya Pradhanang, has resumed normal operations. According to him, the department did not suffer significant damage during the unrest, aside from minor vehicle damage to two office cars. Staff have returned to routine administrative and field activities.
Ongoing Recovery and Monitoring
With normal operations restored, ministry officials are focused on resuming routine services and assessing the full impact of the unrest on infrastructure and resources. While some departments experienced property damage, overall administrative functions across the culture, tourism, and civil aviation sectors are stable.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further disruptions and to ensure that all offices and agencies can function efficiently. Temporary arrangements, such as relocation of CAAN staff, demonstrate the resilience of the ministry and its affiliated organizations in managing emergency situations.
The ministry has assured that both government employees and the public can expect uninterrupted services moving forward, and repair and restoration work for damaged assets will proceed according to committee recommendations and central directives.
