The Nepal Army has successfully collected 108 tons of garbage from 10 different mountains, including the highest peak, Mount Everest. This commendable effort took place over four years, from 2019 to 2023, as part of the Himal Safai Abhiyan initiative.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, during the national tourism conference organized by 'Saath Sathai,' Brigadier General Sunder Kumar Pandey, who also serves as the director of the Nepal Army's Himal Cleansing Campaign, delivered a presentation on the Himal Cleansing Campaign. He emphasized that mountain cleaning is achievable through collective cooperation, effective policy implementation, coordination between the government and stakeholders, and unwavering dedication.
The Nepal Army, entrusted with the responsibility of the mountain cleaning campaign, which is pivotal to Nepal's tourism promotion, affirmed the feasibility of this endeavor. Brigadier General Pandey stated, "While criticism may arise when positive steps are taken, with collective cooperation and coordination between the government and stakeholders, mountain cleaning is indeed possible. It is imperative that local authorities also assume responsibility."
Brigadier General Pandey reported the successful collection of 108 tons of waste from 10 mountains, including Everest, in the past four years. He noted, "Since its inception in 2019, the mountain cleaning campaign has collected and managed 108 tons of waste from 10 mountains, including Everest. In 2023 alone, 35 tons of garbage were collected from Everest, Annapurna, Barunche, and Lhotse."
He stressed the need to enhance the effectiveness of the Himal Safai Campaign, initiated with the primary goal of preserving the mountains for future generations. Brigadier General Pandey lauded the cooperation of Himalayan region residents in the Clean Himal campaign.
Furthermore, Brigadier General Sundarkumar Pandey of the Nepalese Army presented a paper titled 'Cleaning the Himalayan Region: Is It Possible?' During his presentation, he emphasized that mountain cleaning is not merely about cleaning a single location. It is an annual endeavor intrinsically connected to human civilization. He pointed out, "Normal preparations in the perilous and high Himalayan areas are insufficient, which is why the Nepalese Army is entrusted with the responsibility of the mountain cleaning campaign. Despite preparations in 2076, the Corona epidemic prevented its execution. However, in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the government of Nepal allocated a budget of 830,000 with the slogan 'Save the Mountain.'"
Brigadier General Pandey, also the director of Himal Safai Abhiyan, mentioned his efforts to advance the campaign by forming a working group but highlighted the absence of a dedicated team as an issue.
He emphasized the positive impact of the Himal Safai Abhiyan, which generates significant revenue in Nepal's tourism sector and supports the livelihoods of local residents. "The Himal Safa campaign, conducted by the Nepal Army in coordination with the government, has not only improved people's livelihoods but also enhanced the knowledge and capabilities of the Nepali Army. Revenue targets have been met, and garbage has been collected as per the set goals."
Additionally, Lt. Col. Dr. Yashshree Rajourey, who participated in the mountain cleaning campaign, shared her experiences and praised the support of local communities.
