Mount Everest, long renowned as the world's highest peak, has gained an unfortunate reputation as the "world's highest garbage dump." Recently, a Nepalese government-funded team of soldiers undertook a massive cleanup effort under the campaign "An Endeavor to Save the Himalayas," resulting in the removal of 11 tons (24,000 pounds) of garbage, four dead bodies, and a skeleton from Everest, Lobuche, and Lhotse over a 55-day period.

The cleanup initiative, which began in 2019 due to escalating concerns over climber safety and environmental degradation, highlights the severe pollution problem on Everest. With an estimated 50 tons of trash and over 200 bodies on the mountain, the situation has become critical. As global expeditions continue to flock to Everest, the accumulation of waste has surged.

This year's cleanup effort aimed to mitigate waste by implementing new measures such as requiring hikers to wear tracking devices and manage their own waste. The Nepalese government also announced plans to establish a mountain patrol team for waste monitoring and to allocate more of its budget towards waste management.

During the limited climbing season, which spans a few weeks when weather conditions are optimal, over 600 climbers attempt to reach Everest's summit each year. These climbers discard an average of 8 kilograms of trash each, including oxygen tanks, tents, food containers, and human waste. To address this, Nepalese authorities instituted a deposit system in 2014, mandating a $4,000 deposit refundable if climbers descend with 8 kilograms of trash each. Despite this incentive, the refund rate remains low.

In the recently concluded spring climbing season, the government issued permits to 421 climbers, down from the record 478 permits issued last year. The government announced it is considering ways to disperse hikers to reduce congestion at the summit and will work with experts to determine a safe number of hikers.

As Nepal continues its efforts to preserve Everest, the challenges remain formidable. However, these proactive measures signify a critical step towards protecting the mountain's pristine environment and ensuring the safety of future climbers.