Why Sherpa is opposing the garbage removal plan from Everest

Why Sherpa is opposing the garbage removal plan from Everest

The plan to remove about 35 thousand kilograms of garbage from five other peaks of the Himalayas, including Everest, is being fiercely opposed in Nepal.

Those who oppose this plan of the government include well-known mountaineers. The government says that the army will be used for this work. It is estimated to cost $ 7.5 million.

Last year the army removed 10,000 kilograms of waste from this area, but Kami Rita Sherpa, who has conquered the world's highest peak for a record 24 times, says that the army does not have the ability to reach the highest peaks.

Sherpa told, "They have removed garbage from low altitude areas. If we want to remove garbage from high altitude, then Sherpa should be used for this purpose."

"Only Sherpa guides and porter can do this work. They should also be given proper money to clear the mountains."

What is plan

The government of Nepal plans that Everest, Lhotse, Pumori, Amadblum, Makalu and Dhaulagiri peaks attract climbers from all over the world every year.

These climbers leave empty cylinders of oxygen and cooking gas used in climbing expeditions, mountaineering equipment and other garbage.

Climbing these peaks is quite dangerous. Every year a large number of people die. In 2019, 11 people died on Everest. The bodies of many of them remain on the mountains. These bodies will also be brought under the cleanliness campaign.

But bringing things down from high places is not an easy task. Many times, goods, bodies and garbage, etc., are buried under snow for decades.

Purba Tashi Sherpa, who has gone to the Everest 21 times, says: "Sherpas who measure mountains will be right for the task of clearing the peaks. The government should keep this in mind."

What does the Nepali army say

Nepal's army spokesman Bijnan Dev Pandey said that he is confident that his team will reach the higher areas as part of this year's clean-up campaign. This campaign will end by June 5.

He told , "We are learning from our mistakes and working hard to clear the mountains by going to high places."

The Government of Nepal has also taken some such steps to motivate people not to spread garbage. They are asked to deposit $ 400 and then this amount is returned only when they bring back their garbage.

But Sherpa says that this task is not easy. He says that despite having a lot of efficiency, he faces difficulties.

Ang Tshering Sherpa is the former president of Nepal Mountaineering Association. He told the BBC, "It is very difficult to bring empty cylinders or dead bodies down from the high altitude camps."

"Sherpas often put their lives at stake to do this. Most of the frozen carcasses weigh more than 150 kilograms. It is very difficult for Sherpas to bring them down."