KATHMANDU: The Department of Tourism (DoT), which reports to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, has publicly proposed heavy sanctions against famous climber Nirmal 'Nims' Purja and his firm, Elite Exped, for breaking Nepal's climbing standards. According to a thorough report presented by the DoT to the ministry, Nirmal Purja should face penal actions under Clause 38(1) of Nepal's Tourism Act of 1978, noting violations of climbing regulations during his recent trips to the Everest area this year.

Rudra Prasad Pandit, Director General of the DoT, confirmed the submission of the report and the recommendation for stringent action against Nims and his company. The violations, as outlined in Clause 38(1) of the Tourism Act, could lead to bans on entering Nepal or participating in mountaineering activities in the country for up to ten years for egregious misconduct or violations of mountaineering laws.

While the specifics of the infractions were not disclosed, Pandit confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism had been formally advised to begin legal action against Nirmal Purja. The Tourism Minister is responsible for deciding what legal steps to take based on the DoT's conclusions.

The report highlighted numerous instances where Nims allegedly flouted mountaineering regulations, purportedly under the guise of organizing expeditions for high-profile clients. The Everest Base Camp's monitoring field office also contributed details, citing illegal activities conducted by Elite Exped during the spring season in the Everest region.

Among the accusations, the DoT's findings included accusations that Nims circulated a misleading video showing rope-cutting incidents near Everest's south summit, conducted unauthorized training sessions above base camps, arranged unauthorized helicopter flights to and from Camp II, and avoided tax payments by claiming non-resident status despite holding British citizenship.

The DoT has forwarded comprehensive evidence to the ministry, emphasizing the need for decisive action against Nirmal Purja. The department underscored that such actions are necessary to uphold the integrity and reputation of Nepal's mountaineering industry, urging swift and effective measures to address these alleged violations.