Stinky Challenge! Climbers To Abide By New Rules Amid Mount Everest's Poop Problem

Gear up for a thrilling twist on the journey to Mount Everest: climbers will now have to embark with their own poop bag, adding a new dimension to their ascent!

The highest peak in the world has always been admired by climbers and adventurers worldwide. However, due to the mountain's growing popularity, environmental concerns have arisen, which authorities are addressing through new regulations. Human waste, that is - there are new measures to try and limit the stench on the mountain for daredevil climbers.

X(Twitter)

Everest's frozen terrain halts poop breakdown

Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Pasang Lhamu rural municipality, expressed his concerns to the BBC, stating, "Our mountains have begun to stink."The municipality oversees most of the Everest region and is implementing these measures as part of a broader initiative to preserve the mountain's environment.

The extreme temperatures on Everest make it difficult for human waste to decompose properly.

Visible waste on the rocks has led to complaints and health concerns, as some climbers have reportedly fallen ill. "This is not acceptable and erodes our image," added Mingma.

Climbers who plan to climb Everest and the nearby mountain of Lhotse are now required to purchase specialised bags for human waste disposal at the base camp. These bags will be thoroughly checked when the climbers return to ensure that they have followed the new waste management policies.

Three tonnes of human waste litter Everest camps

While base camp provides toilet facilities with barrels to collect waste, the situation becomes more challenging higher up the mountain.

In areas where there is less snow, climbers have no choice but to relieve themselves in the open. Until now, very few have taken the initiative to bring their waste back down in biodegradable bags.

Chhiring Sherpa, CEO of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), a non-governmental organisation, highlighted that waste is a significant problem, particularly in the difficult-to-access higher camps.

The SPCC estimates that approximately three tonnes of human waste are scattered between the lower and upper camps, with half of it concentrated at South Col, also known as Camp Four.

Everest at 7,906 meters called 'open toilet'

South Col, situated at an elevation of 7,906 meters (25,938 feet), is notoriously known as an 'open toilet' due to the lack of ice and snow, which leaves human waste exposed. Stephan Keck, an international mountain guide, confirmed the unsightly conditions, saying, 'You will see human stools all around.'

X(Twitter)

The implementation of compulsory poo bags is a significant measure in the attempt to tackle the increasing waste problem on Mount Everest. The hope is that this initiative, along with continuous clean-up efforts, will contribute towards restoring the dignity of this famous peak and ensure the well-being of both climbers and the surrounding environment.

TIL

Implementation of Everest poo bag Plan

1200 foreign climbers and support staff will soon receive 8000 poo bags from the US, which were authorised by the Pasang Lhamu rural municipality for use during the upcoming climbing season in March. What makes the poo bags so unique are the chemicals and powders that help to solidify the excrement, making it odourless.

The average climber is expected to produce 250 grams of faeces per day if attempting to reach the summit, spending around two weeks in the higher camps. Mr Chhiring explains: 'With that as the basis, we plan to give them two bags, each of which they can use five to six times.'

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.