More than 100 tons of garbage collected from different mountains

KATHMANDU: More than 101,919 kilograms of disposable and non-disposable garbage were collected from the slopes of different mountain peaks of Nepal in fiscal year 2024/25.

According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), 92,232 kg of garbage was collected from mountain peaks managed by the DoT, while the remaining 9,687 kg was brought down and disposed of from peaks under the management of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

NMA issues permits for 27 peaks below the height of 6,500 meters. These include peaks like Island, Mera Peak and Lobuche, which are popular among climbers for acclimatisation before they attempt other higher peaks.

The annual report of the DoT for the fiscal year 2024/25 shows that a lion’s share of this garbage, or 83,088 kilograms, was brought down from three mountains in the Everest region – Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

This includes 31,797 kg of human waste, 17,861 kg of kitchen waste, 8,374 kg of cans/tins/glasses and 25,056 kg of paper/plastic/cloths.

Similarly, 3,388 kg of human waste, 456 kg of kitchen waste, 730 kg of cans/tins/cloths and 3,998 kg of paper/plastic/cloth were brought down from Amadablam.

Likewise, 4,013 kg of paper/plastic/cloths, 507 kg of tins/glasses/cans, 4,360 kg of human waste and 807 kg of kitchen waste were brought down from the 27 mountains managed by the NMA.

As per the Tourism Act, 1979, and the Mountaineering Regulations, 2002, mountaineers are required to deposit a specified amount as a waste management deposit before obtaining a mountaineering permit. This deposit will only be refunded after the mountaineering expedition is completed and proof is submitted to the relevant authority that the waste generated during the expedition has been properly collected and managed.

The government has authorized the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) to manage garbage collection in the Everest region.