Nepal’s Gen Z Turns To Brooms And Gloves To Clean Streets Following Violent Protests

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 17:05 IST

The protests, which began on Monday in Kathmandu over a controversial social media ban and long-standing corruption, quickly spiralled into chaos

Volunteers clear the remains and ravages of the torched office building of Nepal’s Department of Transport Management (DOTM) in Kathmandu. (AFP photo)

After two days of violent protests that forced Nepal’s prime minister to resign, young demonstrators from the “Gen Z” movement returned to the streets on Wednesday, not to protest, but to clean up.

The protests, which began on Monday in Kathmandu over a controversial social media ban and long-standing corruption, quickly spiralled into chaos. Government buildings were torched, homes of political leaders attacked, and at least 19 people were killed during a harsh crackdown by security forces on Monday. By Tuesday, the prime minister had stepped down, leaving the country in political limbo.

But just hours later, a different scene began to unfold. Young people, many of whom had taken part in the protests, were seen wearing gloves and masks, carrying sacks, and sweeping the streets of the capital.

Videos shared widely on X showed volunteers picking up debris, sweeping the streets, and removing burnt remains from damaged public spaces.

In Kirtipur, a suburb of Kathmandu, Gen Z volunteers began their clean-up drive early Wednesday morning, even as the Nepal Army prepared to enforce a nationwide lockdown. Some of the youths were actively organising more clean-up efforts online, using the same platforms that had been targeted by the government just days earlier.

“After Bangladesh protests also “Youth” had done cleaning drives, traffic management to earn back legitimacy. Same being done by “Gen Z” in Nepal. The script is now getting so boring. Hire a new scriptwriter pls,” wrote one user on X, sharing footage of the cleaning drive.

Despite the cynicism, organisations like Eco Sathi have stepped in to support the youth-led efforts. The group is helping coordinate with community members and has said its formal clean-up campaign will begin once the current curfew is lifted, according to The Kathmandu Post.

The protests, triggered by a social media ban that blocked access to 26 platforms including Facebook and YouTube, have drawn widespread attention. TikTok, which remained online, became a rallying point for discontent. Videos showing the contrast between the daily struggles of ordinary Nepalis and the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children went viral and added fuel to the anger.

By Tuesday, the unrest reached a boiling point. Protesters set fire to multiple government buildings and attacked the home of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, who later resigned “to allow steps towards a political solution.” His current whereabouts remain unknown. Meanwhile, many ministers and senior officials are reported to be in hiding or under army protection.

In a late-night statement, Nepal’s army chief had warned of further action if violence continued, saying “all security institutions, including the Nepal Army, are committed to taking control of the situation.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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