Kathmandu: The Herbal Production and Processing Company, severely damaged during a violent royalist demonstration in Tinkune on March 15, is gradually regaining its footing.

The incident claimed two lives, left several injured, and resulted in the vandalism and arson of public and private property — including the company’s administrative and production buildings. The laboratory and production unit were completely destroyed, halting operations for nearly a month.

According to Usha Rijal, Acting General Manager of the company, production has now resumed at 50–60% capacity, albeit manually, as machinery destroyed in the fire is yet to be replaced. “We started production from the less damaged rooms with the support of the Ministry of Forests and Environment and the Federal Secretariat Construction and Management Office,” Rijal said. Temporary glass replacements and cleanup efforts have allowed partial resumption of operations.

Previously, the company managed farming, processing, and marketing of herbal products with machine-based efficiency. Now, employees are working manually, leading to slower output and reduced efficiency. However, Rijal remains hopeful the company will eventually return to full production.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of key public enterprises to political unrest and the resilience required for recovery in its aftermath.