Kathmandu — The Sagarmatha Climbers’ Association has urged the government to take effective measures to improve security in Nepal’s Himalayan region, warning that growing safety concerns could negatively impact foreign tourism.
In a statement issued Sunday, the association said, “As the government has announced the year 2085 B.S. as Nepal Tourism Year, we are deeply concerned about the increasing insecurity in the Himalayan region. We request all climbers to voice their concerns regarding the challenges they are facing.”
The association expressed serious concern over an incident involving 57-year-old climber Dawa Sherpa, a resident of Khijidemba Rural Municipality-6 in Okhaldhunga District, who was working above the Everest Base Camp area.
According to the statement, the climber’s family has alleged that the concerned trekking company neglected rescue efforts and made irresponsible remarks instead of actively searching for him. The association also questioned why a climber employed as a cook at Camp II was reportedly pressured to travel to Camp IV, and called for the formation of a high-level investigation committee to examine how search efforts were conducted during the six days he remained missing.
The association stated that it remains committed to safeguarding the security of all personnel working in the Himalayan region and views the impact of such incidents on human life with utmost seriousness.
Expressing solidarity with Dawa Sherpa’s family, the association also urged the government to formulate necessary laws and regulations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
