Kathmandu [Nepal], February 9: Those who want to conquer Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain , will have to buy bags to contain their own waste while climbing and bring it back with them.
Mr. Mingma Sherpa, Chairman of Pasang Lhamu Rural Area (Nepal) which is responsible for most of Mount Everest , told the BBC that local authorities will apply new regulations to ensure hygiene and landscape for the mountain.
The harsh cold of Mount Everest hinders the decomposition of human waste . As a result, "our mountains started to stink", Mr Sherpa told the BBC.
Mr. Sherpa added that he has received many complaints about the obvious presence of human waste everywhere, and some climbers have become ill because of the pollution.
At lower elevations, climbers can use a shovel to dig holes while defecating. However, in higher places, with little snow cover, climbers are forced to dump waste in the open.
Mr. Chhiring Sherpa, Director General of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), estimates that about 3 tons of human waste is scattered from the First Camp at the foot of Mount Everest to the Fourth Camp near the summit. Half of these are at Camp Four, at an altitude of nearly 8,000 m.
The local government has come up with a solution that requires climbers to buy waste bags during the next climbing season, starting in March.
SPCC purchased a total of 8,000 bags, containing chemicals and powders to help treat waste and prevent odor spread, and climbers must purchase when arriving at Camp One.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
