KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah is facing criticism for the city’s alleged failure to deploy fire services to several government buildings set ablaze during the violent Gen-Z protests on September 9.
The fires affected major republican symbols, including Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and Sheetal Niwas.
At a Thursday press briefing, Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Chief Rajunath Pandey clarified that the city’s fire brigade was actively deployed to locations including Bhaktapur’s Bhatbhateni Supermarket and Singha Durbar. He noted that in some areas, local residents initially obstructed the fire trucks, delaying operations.
“Our fire trucks were ready to respond and were not delayed. In Balaju and Swayambhu, after the water ran out in the fire engines, we used tankers to assist. We did not fail to refill water in the field,” Pandey said.
Pandey refuted claims that the municipal fire brigade had failed to respond to fires at major government buildings. He added that the city police coordinated with the Nepali Army’s Ganesh Battalion and military barracks, and municipal police were also deployed to deliver food, medicine, and assist with blood collection during the emergency.
He said the city officials had not neglected their duties. “We prioritized Singha Durbar and the Supreme Court. Our personnel visited these locations multiple times, working tirelessly over two to three days without rest,” Pandey said.
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