15th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant move to support national recovery efforts, the Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), the country’s leading professional body for engineers, has announced it will provide free technical assistance for the assessment and reconstruction of properties damaged during the recent youth-led protests.
Nepal Engineers’ Association
The decision, announced in a press statement by NEA’s General Secretary, Binod Prakash Pandit, highlights the association’s commitment to leveraging its expertise for the public good, drawing parallels to its pivotal role in past national disasters.
The recent Gen Z protests, while a powerful expression of public sentiment, resulted in significant damage to public and private infrastructure, including key government buildings.
In response to this destruction, the NEA has stepped forward, offering its professional services free of charge to help the nation rebuild. This initiative is a practical and crucial step toward a structured and safe reconstruction process.
The association’s president, Subash Chandra Baral, confirmed that the NEA has already begun preliminary assessments of several key judicial buildings, including the Supreme Court, the Kathmandu District Court, and the Nepal Bar Association’s office.
According to Pandit, this is a continuation of a long-standing tradition of service. “The hard work, labour and expertise of Nepal’s technical human resources are crucial in the reconstruction of physical properties damaged in the earthquakes of 1990 BS and 2072 BS,” he said, referencing the devastating quakes that reshaped the country’s landscape.
“The Association wishes to continue this support in the future.” This historical context underscores the deep sense of responsibility felt by Nepal’s engineering community to contribute their specialized knowledge during times of crisis.
During the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, the NEA mobilized thousands of engineers to conduct rapid damage assessments, a critical step that prevented further loss of life and guided safe reconstruction.
The scope of the NEA’s assistance is comprehensive. Baral detailed that the assessments go beyond a simple visual inspection. The engineers will be conducting a thorough review that includes initial inspection of physical properties, risk assessment, alternative management planning, and feasibility studies for reconstruction bids.
This holistic approach ensures that the rebuilding efforts are not only structurally sound but also strategically planned for long-term sustainability. For public institutions like the Supreme Court, ensuring the integrity and safety of their buildings is paramount for the restoration of normal operations and public trust.
The free technical assistance is particularly vital for a country like Nepal, where the cost of expert consultation can be a significant barrier to recovery.
By waiving these fees, the NEA is making professional, high-quality engineering services accessible to the public and government entities, thereby promoting a more resilient and scientifically guided reconstruction process.
The initiative is also a powerful message of solidarity from a professional body to the nation, reinforcing the idea that engineers are not just builders but also guardians of public safety and infrastructure.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the protests and looks toward a future of recovery, the role of expert bodies like the NEA is more critical than ever.
The lessons learned from previous disasters, particularly the 2015 earthquake, have highlighted the immense value of professional engineering input in disaster management and reconstruction.
This voluntary effort by the NEA is a testament to the patriotism and commitment of its members, setting a strong example for other professional organizations to follow.
For more: Nepal Engineers’ Association