29 may,kathmandu –Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Banskota has underscored collective effort to conserve the unique civilization of Everest, the Sagarmatha.
The day is observed to commemorate the first ascent of 8,848 metre-tall-Mt Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953.
Addressing a programme organized on the occasion of 12th International Sagarmatha (Everest) Day here today, Minister Banskota said that mountains, including the highest mountain in the world-Sagarmatha- were not only centre of attractions but they were a cause for concern. Expressing his concern that mountains in Nepal would turn into a mass of bare rocks someday, the Minister called for collective effort to conserve our mountains.
Referring to the eight deaths recorded in Everest, Banskota, who is also the Spokesperson of the government, clarified that many of them had died due to lack of experiences in mountaineering. “It was saddening to hear that the climbers died due to lapse in management. I refute the rumour surrounding the cause behind the death of those eight climbers. I suggest every aspiring climbers to take up mountaineering after proper training and climb in a fair weather,” he said.
He also instructed the concerned authority to issue permit for climbing mountains in Nepal to those well-trained ones.
Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohan Krishna Sapkota echoed with Minister Banskota and underlined the need for coordinated efforts to conserve the mountains.
Likewise, President of Nepal Mountaineering Association Santabir Lama said it was challenging to protect the charm of Everest climb and enhance safety in mountains.
It has been 66 years today the highest peak of the world was ascended by human- two climbers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary reached atop the Everest on 29 May 1953.
Since then, more than 8,000 people- both Nepalis and foreigners combined- scaled the Everest. On this occasion, the government honoured various persons climbing the Mount Everest. A social activist from South Korea, Um Hong Gill, who scaled the 14 highest peaks of the world was conferred the National Sagarmatha Award, carrying the purse of Rs 100 thousand. Similarly, Tenzing-Hillary Award was provided to a foreign climber Anthony Goden, and Nepali mountaineer Maya Sherpa and Gyanendra Shrestha. Each of them was provided the cash prize of Rs 50,000 each. (RSS)
