KATHMANDU: This spring season, authorities are gearing up to utilize advanced technology in the form of a high-tech delivery drone to collect garbage from the high camp of Everest. Collaborating with other entities, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has been conducting trial runs of cargo drones, aiming to retrieve waste from Camp I and transport it to the Everest base camp. The Ministry of Home Affairs has granted permission for these test flights of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPS), commonly known as drones, to undertake waste collection duties in the Khumbu region.

Before initiating the flights, the Home Ministry has emphasized the importance of coordination with local authorities, security agencies, and other stakeholders. Strict adherence to safety requirements and conditions outlined in the Drone Udaan Sambandhi Karyabidhi 2075 is mandatory. Additionally, explicit permissions must be obtained, and precautions taken to avoid disruption of helicopter and other flight operations within the designated test area. Due to the conservation status of the region, any test flights outside the specified flight path are strictly prohibited.

The designated test flights will be conducted using the DJI FlyCart 30 Category-D model, known for its weight capacity, flight distance, and endurance. The project is being coordinated with Imagine Nepal Treks and Expeditions. Managing Director Mingma G expressed the hope that drone transportation would reduce risks associated with logistics transportation in the region, particularly for sherpas navigating the icefall. Safety measures, including route inspections and expert consultations, are being rigorously implemented.

Earlier, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality had enacted Base Camp Management Procedure 2024 to manage human activities and waste in base camps across the region, including Mt. Everest. Climbers are required to adhere to guidelines such as carrying poop or biodegradable bags to manage and bring back their waste from higher altitudes. Additionally, the Nepali Army's Mountain Clean-up Campaign aims to collect waste and retrieve bodies from mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, demonstrating ongoing efforts to maintain the cleanliness and safety of mountain environments.