Our mountains should remain clean

On the occasion of World Toilet Day, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has organized an awareness programme on 20th November. Speaking on the occasion, speakers stressed the importance of mountain cleanliness to ensure a conducive environment for future generations. Speakers also highlighted the pressing challenge of garbage accumulation in the mountains.

The director of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, sought everyone’s support in keeping the mountains clean.

“We know that garbage is piling up in our mountains. These are the pressing challenges of our generation,” Dr. Regmi added. “This requires a collective effort. That is why I humbly request all of you, including climbers, expedition operators, and journalists, to support the government in making our mountains clean.”

The chief advisor of the NMA, Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, urged climbers and expedition operators to minimize waste by using disposable materials.

“Not all climbers and expedition teams bring their garbage back. However, we can reduce mountain pollution by using disposable materials,” chief advisor Sherpa said. “I also request the government to introduce a policy requiring climbers and expedition teams to use disposable materials. This could help keep our mountains clean.”

The immediate past president of the NMA, Santa Bir Lama, also expressed that the government should establish a viable mechanism for making the mountains garbage-free.

“The NMA has been organizing mountain cleaning programs every year. In recent years, the Nepal Army has been doing the job. However, tons of garbage remain in the mountains,” IPP Lama added. “The government should work on this. We, as the technical wing of the Government of Nepal, are ready to support the government.”

Model and actress Usha Rajjak also emphasized the importance of keeping the mountains clean. “The air from the mountains should be clean and fresh. This is the only option we have,” she added. “And it should be our responsibility to ensure our mountains and environment stay clean.”

The awareness program was facilitated by Sulabh Sanitation Club from India and attended by mountaineers, climbers, expedition operators, environmental activists, and members of the media. The general secretary of the NMA, Mohan Lamsal, and vice president Thakur Raj Pandey also spoke on the occasion.