Weeks after suspension due to protests by local communities, Nepal has decided to resume helicopter rescue operations in the Mount Everest region. The services were halted after locals blocked landing sites and stated concerns over their impact on the environment and on local communities. Scroll on to know more about this.
Helicopter Rescue Operations Resumed For Mount Everest
According to The Times of India, Nepali airlines have resumed helicopter rescue flights to Mount Everest. In early January, the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) suspended all flights in the region, amid mass local protests. As of January 27, while commercial flights to the Everest region are still restricted, rescue flights have resumed on humanitarian grounds.
According to the protestors, the flights severely impacted the environment and hampered the income of trekkers. Now, to find a solution, local communities and aviation officials are negotiating. As per the aviation officials, flights are crucial for emergency rescues in the mountainous region.
As the negotiations continue, the Nepali authorities have assured that they will ensure sustainable trekking and climbing in the Everest region. They plan to maintain a balance between the needs of the aviation and tourism sectors and the economic interests of local residents as well.
Also Read: Nepal Increases Permit Fee For Mount Everest By Almost 35%; Climbers Will Now Have To Pay…
Why Helicopter Operations Are Crucial For The Region
It is to be noted that helicopters serve as a vital form of transportation in the Mount Everest region. Since most of the hilly and isolated areas of Nepal don’t have access to roads, these services are even more important. Every year, more than 50,000 people travel to Mount Everest. During the busiest trekking seasons, as many as 60 helicopters fly per day.
Helicopter rescues are essential for climbers’ safety on the Mount Everest. In a recent incident, German mountaineer Jost Kobusch had to abandon his solo winter ascent of Everest. In an Instagram post, he cited the lack of emergency evacuation options as one of the reasons for his decision to end the climb.
The locals have pointed out that while helicopters are essential for emergency evacuations, they are also used to carry wealthy tourists and mountaineering teams to avoid the difficult two-week walk to Everest Base Camp. This practice hampers local businesses and affects the income of the guides as well. Most trekkers spend days in villages along the traditional overland route, when they take up helicopters, local businesses are severely affected.
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