Mount Qomolangma, Nepal — The highest camp on the Nepal route of Mount Qomolangma, the world’s tallest peak, is burdened with a colossal amount of frozen garbage that officials say will take years to clean up.
A Nepal government-funded team, comprising soldiers and seasoned Sherpa climbers, embarked on a mission during this year’s climbing season to address the escalating environmental concern. The team successfully removed approximately 10 tonnes (24,000 pounds) of trash from the mountain. In a somber discovery, they also recovered four dead bodies and a skeleton, long entombed in the ice near the summit.
The Sherpa leading the cleanup expressed deep concern over the extent of the pollution. “The accumulation of waste over the years has turned the majestic slopes into a frozen landfill,” he noted. The challenging terrain and extreme conditions at such high altitudes make the cleanup operation arduous and time-consuming.
Mount Qomolangma has witnessed a surge in climbers over the decades, which, while boosting tourism and local economies, has led to environmental degradation. Discarded oxygen bottles, torn tents, climbing gear, and other debris litter the pathways to the summit. The problem is exacerbated by the difficulty of carrying waste back down in the thin air and sub-zero temperatures.
The Nepalese government and environmental groups are advocating for stricter regulations and awareness among climbers. There is a growing call for sustainable mountaineering practices to preserve the sacredness and pristine condition of Mount Qomolangma.
The cleanup initiative marks a significant step towards environmental restoration, but officials acknowledge that much work remains. “This is just the beginning of a lengthy journey to restore the mountain’s purity,” the Sherpa leader remarked. “It will take years of consistent effort and global cooperation to truly make a difference.”
The endeavor highlights the broader issue of ecological responsibility in popular natural destinations across Asia. As adventure tourism continues to grow, the balance between exploration and conservation becomes ever more crucial.
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Frozen garbage litters Mount Qomolangma camp, cleanup to take years
cgtn.com
