Nepal's Supreme Court Limits Everest Permits and Bans High-Altitude Helicopters

The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued a landmark ruling aimed at protecting the country's fragile mountain environment. The court has ordered the government to limit the number of climbing permits issued for Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks, just as expeditions prepare for the spring climbing season. The ruling also bans the use of helicopters above base camp on all mountains in Nepal, except for rescue operations.

Why this matters: This ruling has significant implications for the environmental sustainability and safety of high-altitude tourism in Nepal, and its effects may be felt beyond the country's borders as other nations consider similar measures to protect their own fragile ecosystems. This ruling has significant implications for the environmental sustainability and safety of high-altitude tourism in Nepal, and its effects may be felt beyond the country's borders as other nations consider similar measures to protect their own fragile ecosystems. The challenges of climate change and responsible tourism necessitate this decision, setting an important precedent for balancing economic interests withenvironmental concerns.

The court's order comes in response to a public interest petition filed by advocate Deepak Bikram Mishra in 2019. Mishra cited concerns over the commercialization of Nepal's mountains and the resulting environmental degradation. "It has ordered a limit to the number of climbers," Mishra stated, emphasizing the need to give the mountains some respite from the increasing pressure of high-altitude tourism.

Under the court's directive, the Nepalese government can only issue climbing permits after specifying the maximum number of climbers allowed on a mountain, based on its capacity. The ruling also mandates measures for waste management and preservation of the mountain environment. A summary of the verdict indicates that the court has stressed the need to respect the mountains' capacity and determine an appropriate limit on permits.

Nepal, home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks, has seen a surge in mountaineering tourism in recent years. The country currently grants permits to all who apply and are willing to pay the $11,000 fee to climb Everest. In 2022, Nepal issued a record 478 permits for the world's highest peak, which stands at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.

The growing crowds on Everest have led to dangerous situations, including a massive human traffic jam in 2019 that forced climbers to wait for hours in freezing temperatures near the summit. Several deaths occurred from exhaustion and depleted oxygen levels. The court's decision aims to address these safety concerns and reduce theenvironmental impactof high-altitude tourism.

In addition to limiting permits, the court's decision bans helicopter flights above base camp, except for rescue missions. Climbing teams must now submit a list of gear and supplies they are carrying up the mountain and leave a deposit, which will be refunded only after they prove that they have brought everything back down. This measure aims to reduce the amount of waste left behind on the mountains.

The mountaineering community has mixed reactions to the court's decision. Some welcome the move as a necessary step to protect the environment and ensure climber safety, while others worry about the impact on Nepal's tourism industry, which relies heavily on revenue from mountain expeditions. Nima Nuru Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, expressed concerns about the potential economic consequences, stating that such decisions should be made after proper consultation with concerned parties.

The effectiveness of the court's ruling will depend on the government's ability to implement and enforce the new regulations. The ban on helicopter flights above base camp is expected to significantly impact expedition logistics, particularly on mountains like Annapurna, where gear airdrops are common. The court's decision may face resistance from powerful private interests that have profited from the growth of high-altitude tourism in Nepal.

The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant step towards addressing the environmental and safety concerns that have plagued Nepal's mountain tourism industry. The country faces the challenges of managing the increasing flow of climbers on its iconic peaks, the ruling highlights the need for sustainable and responsible practices to preserve the majestic Himalayan environment for future generations while ensuring the well-being of those who seek to conquer its summits.

Key Takeaways

• Nepal's Supreme Court limits Mount Everest climbing permits to protect the environment.
• Helicopter flights above base camp are banned, except for rescue missions.
• Climbing permits will be issued based on a mountain's capacity, with waste management measures.
• The ruling aims to address safety concerns and reduce environmental impact.
• The decision may impact Nepal's tourism industry, with mixed reactions from the mountaineering community.