Nepali Army Launches Clean Mountain Campaign in Solukhumbu

In a concerted effort to preserve the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, a team of the Nepali Army has embarked on a mission to clean the towering peaks of Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), Lhotse, and Nuptse. Under the banner of the ‘Clean Mountain Campaign-2024’, the team, comprising 13 dedicated members, set out from Namche in Solukhumbu toward the majestic Everest Base Camp today.

Lieutenant Colonel Prachanda Bikram Bharati, stationed at Ranshur Company in Namche, revealed that while 11 members of the team proceeded towards the base camp, two remained in Namche for emergency rescue operations. “We bid farewell to the team members in a ceremonial event today as they set off towards the Sagarmatha base camp,” he shared. Major Aditya Karki leads the team, which had spent two days in Namche for preparations.

During their journey, the team plans to engage with local communities to raise awareness and ensure the effectiveness of the campaign. The trekking route will also be meticulously cleaned to showcase the initiative and garner support from trekkers and locals alike.

The Nepali Army has set an ambitious target to collect approximately 10 tonnes of waste from various base camps of Mt Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse as part of the campaign. The initiative received a formal launch at a ceremony held at the NA Headquarters, where Chief of Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma handed over the campaign flag to Major Karki.

The success of the campaign is bolstered by the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality, Nepal Mountaineering Association, and Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal, among others, who have provided valuable technical support.

As the Nepali Army soldiers embark on this noble endeavor, they embody a spirit of environmental stewardship and commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Nepal’s Himalayan region for generations to come.