Kathmandu, Sept. 28 -- Disposal of debris from fire-damaged buildings in the Kathmandu Valley could take months, as the city office says it can begin collection only after settlement of insurance-related issues.

Officials at the Environment Department under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City said building owners have not allowed waste collectors to remove debris, citing unresolved insurance issues.

"I also don't have an answer about how long it would take to clear the debris from the burnt buildings," said Sarita Rai, chief of the department. "Currently, we are only collecting debris from roads and burnt police stations."

Scores of government office buildings, police stations, private and official residence of ministers, as well as busine...