KATHMANDU, March 25: Mount Everest has long been grappling with pollution issues, notably the problem of human waste left by climbers. In a significant environmental move, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has now mandated the climbers to carry their excrement off the mountain in plastic bags.
Mingma Sherpa, the chairman of the rural municipality, announced the implementation of this regulation recently. This measure aims to mitigate pollution on Everest, ensuring the preservation of its status as a world heritage site. According to The Guardian, Sherpa emphasized the permanent application of this rule, which has been met with positive responses.
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The climbing season, commencing in mid-April, will see the enforcement of this new rule. Allan Cohr, the proprietor of Everest One, an Australian climbing firm, mentioned ongoing discussions about the initiative. Nepal’s authorities are tasked with providing biodegradable bags to each climber and their assistants, available at various camps along the ascent.
These bags, once filled, are to be deposited at Camp Two for proper management. This stringent rule marks a departure from previous practices where climbers would simply dig a hole for waste disposal.
The Nepal Mountaineering Association has yet to formally acknowledge this new policy on their website, where guidelines still recommend digging pits for waste. The effectiveness and longevity of this new waste management strategy have been questioned by Alan Arnette, an author and climber who reached Everest’s summit in 2011, casting doubt on the commitment of Nepali authorities to uphold it.
