Engineer Krishnabhakta Duwal: Pioneer of Eco Panel Technology in Nepal

Kathmandu – The name "Eco Panel" has become synonymous with Engineer Krishnabhakta Duwal. Under his leadership, Nepal witnessed the production of Eco Panels for the very first time. Eco Panel is a modern construction material used for both internal and external partition walls in permanent and temporary structures. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Eco Panel.

Engineer Duwal was born into a traditional Newar family in Bhaktapur. His family has long been involved in the brick industry. He currently resides in the Mahalaxmisthan area of Bhaktapur Municipality.

He completed both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Renewable Energy at Pulchowk Engineering Campus in Lalitpur. Additionally, he is pursuing a PhD from Wuhan, China.

After the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, which exposed the shortage of materials such as stone, bricks, sand, gravel, and timber for reconstruction in Nepal, Duwal began searching for environmentally friendly and earthquake-resistant alternatives. He went on international study visits to countries like China, Italy, Japan, Bahrain, and Germany, where he gained experience in "pre-fab" construction technology. This led to the establishment of Nepal’s first Eco Panel production factory in Bhaktapur.

Initially, he played a leading role in the Gorkha Eco Panel industry after the earthquake. Later, he established his own brand, "Nepal Eco Panel," in Jhaukhel, Changunarayan Municipality of Bhaktapur. There, he began production on a 10-ropani (approx. 0.5 hectare) plot of land.

With an investment of around NPR 200 million, he aims to expand production and build a nationwide dealer network covering all 77 districts. His estimated monthly turnover reaches up to NPR 60 million.

Eco Panel is a “dry-wall” — significantly lighter and less dense (650 kg/m³) than bricks or blocks, which typically weigh around 1,800 kg/m³. It requires no water during construction. It is earthquake-resistant, sound-absorbing, and lightweight, making it easy to transport. For this reason, it is gaining popularity from the Himalayas to the hills, especially in remote areas where transportation is difficult — Nepal Eco Panel is considered a godsend in such locations.

His factory employs about 25 workers, including three university-level interns, five technicians, and 15 specialists in panel installation.

Duwal also has extensive teaching experience and is focused on research. He serves as an Associate Professor at Nepal Engineering College in Duwakot, Changunarayan, Bhaktapur, and teaches Environmental Science at Khwopa College in Dekocha, Bhaktapur — a role he has held for over a decade.

Recognized as a young entrepreneur, he has received various honors through different platforms. He strongly emphasizes sustainability, research, and social responsibility in the construction sector. Duwal is deeply committed to creating opportunities within Nepal for youth, actively encouraging and mentoring young people toward entrepreneurship.

In summary, Engineer Krishnabhakta Duwal is a skilled, innovative engineer, entrepreneur, social worker, and educator who has successfully developed Eco Panel — an environmentally friendly construction technology — into a notable brand in Nepal.

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Name: Engineer Krishnabhakta Duwal
Profession: Entrepreneur, Engineer, Teacher
Company: Nepal Eco Panel (Founder and CEO)
Education: Pulchowk Engineering Campus – Renewable Energy
Location: Bhaktapur, Nepal
Specialization: Production of earthquake-resistant, eco-friendly, waterless construction panels
Notable Work: Established Eco Panel industry post-2015 earthquake as a safe and affordable alternative
Commitment: Dedicated to construction innovation, environmental protection, and sustainable development
Academics: Lecturer at Nepal Engineering College and Khwopa College
Product: Lightweight, affordable, and durable construction panels