Saturday, April 27, 2024
Kathmandu: Nepali climbers face perilous conditions resulting in a large number of fatalities while attempting to scale various mountains located around the globe. Despite the inherent risks, many individuals, particularly from the Sherpa community undertake these treacherous expeditions to establish a personal reputation and play a pivotal role in, providing crucial support to ensure their clients' make it to the summit and back safely.
As part of a well-known fact among the climbing fraternity, climbers succumb to a variety of factors in the mountains, including avalanches, high-altitude sickness, respiratory problems, oxygen deprivation, and other hazards. While there is considerable discourse about individuals who climb for personal glory, there is a noticeable lack of attention to those who climb to support their families and themselves.
The anguish experienced by those injured during mountain climbs, as well as the families of climbers who perished during ascents, is profound. Unfortunately, the government of Nepal has not taken any substantial action to address these pressing issues. Many women who have lost their husbands at an early age, now burdened with the responsibility of raising and educating their children, claim that the state has displayed the government’s apathy to their plight.
This perceived governmental indifference has led to a concerning trend, with many Sherpa adolescents abandoning mountain climbing and seeking opportunities abroad. If this pattern persists, the availability of Sherpas to facilitate mountain climbs might dwindle in the coming years, posing a potential collapse of Nepal's mountain tourism industry, which reels in revenue for the government, employment and opportunities for the people.
The government, a major beneficiary of royalties collected from mountain climbers, has faced demands to allocate a portion of these funds to support the livelihoods and education of the families of those who lost their lives in mountain climbing incidents, as well as the Sherpa community and entities involved in mountain tourism. However, the administration has yet to respond to these calls. Wives of individuals who perished during mountain climbs argue that the government should actively assist them in making a living.
In the spring climbing season of 2023, as many as 20 climbers succumbed in the mountains, with the majority of incidents occurring on Mt Sagarmatha with a total of 18 fatalities on the world’s highest peak alone. Similarly, two such incidents occurred on Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Annapurna each.
Last year, the Department of Tourism (DoT) collected royalty worth over Rs 765 million, with Mt Sagarmatha contributing over Rs 666 million.
As a result, mountaineers have expressed frustration, stating that the government merely collects royalties from climbers without fulfilling their commitments. The wives of Sherpa climbers who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche while climbing Mount Everest last spring believe that the government should provide them with skill training and support their children's education, ensuring their ability to provide for and nurture their families.
Chyamu Sherpa (wife of late Lakpa Nuru Sherpa):
Chyamu Sherpa expresses her frustration with the government's apparent disregard for the challenges faced by families of climbers. Despite the significant revenue generated from climbers, including the sweat and hard work of her late husband, there is no support for families left behind. Chyamu emphasizes the difficulty of earning a living and the lack of government assistance. She highlights the concerns of husbands not returning home and the hardships faced by wives in their absence. Chyamu's plea is for the government to take responsibility, provide support, and offer training opportunities for families like hers.
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa (wife of late Pema Tenzing Sherpa):
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, having completed her undergraduate studies, expresses her desire to continue her education. She raises concerns about the government's inaction regarding families of climbers, including hers. Pasang emphasizes the need for expert training to address financial challenges. She envisions acquiring skills through vocational training to support her family by running a business.
Lehmi Sherpa (wife of late Lakpa Rita Sherpa):
Lehmi Sherpa shares the financial and emotional challenges she faces after her husband's death in the mountains. With two young daughters, she feels the burden of being the sole provider. Lehmi laments the lack of government support and expresses her worries about teaching and raising her daughters. She hopes to receive training for a better future and seeks assistance for her daughters' education.
Mingma Doma Sherpa (Daughter of the late Dachiri Sherpa):
Mingma Doma Sherpa, a student, voices the struggles of Sherpas in the Himalayas and the government's insufficient support. She emphasizes the importance of attention to rural areas, where climbing mountains is a primary source of income. Mingma Doma suggests that her father might have chosen a different path if alternative employment options were available. Today, she advocates for government aid in education until the families of deceased climbers can sustain themselves.
Sani Sherpa (wife of late Ang Kami Sherpa):
Sani Sherpa, a 28-year-old enrolled in class 11, discusses the challenges faced by families when one member earns money while another does not. She underscores the need for financial support and free training from the government to better care for her daughter and family. Sani acknowledges the assistance from the Nepal Army in her daughter's education.
These narratives collectively portray the struggles, hopes, and expectations of families affected by the loss of climbers in the Himalayas, shedding light on the broader issues faced by Sherpa communities and the need for government intervention.
