Climbing boom brings tons of waste annually to G-B mountains

GILGIT: As the number of climbers and trekkers surges at mountain sites near K2 in Gilgit-Baltistan, local authorities are facing growing challenges in managing waste left behind on the pristine landscapes.

However, efforts by private cleanliness drives are providing much-needed relief in tackling the growing environmental crisis.

According to the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP), a staggering 1,886 tourists entered Askoli in 2023, resulting in the generation of over 33.33 tons of waste, primarily concentrated in high-altitude glaciated camps and trails. In contrast, the low-altitude, non-glaciated camps saw less accumulation of refuse.

Speaking to HUM News English, Syed Yasir Abbas Rizvi, an ecologist at CKNP, revealed that up to 1,949 tourists, trekkers, and climbers have entered Askoli this year alone, leading to the collection of 23 tons of waste thus far. Of this, CKNP staff collected 16,950 kg of solid waste and 2,475 kg of human waste, while the remainder was handled by cleanliness drives sponsored by two banks.

Also read: Five climbers from Shimshal Valley summit Spantik Peak

Rizvi noted that in 2022, CKNP staff retrieved approximately 1,610 kg of waste from K2, specifically from Base Camp to Camp 4. Over the past decade, 30,000 park visitors and associated crew have contributed to the production of 125 tons of solid waste across the glaciated and non-glaciated camps of the park, which CKNP has diligently collected and disposed of.

The efforts of UAE-based Mashreq Bank and Pakistan’s Allied Bank Limited in organizing clean-up campaigns have been instrumental in addressing the mounting waste problem. Rizvi commended the two financial institutions, noting the logistical difficulties of conducting such operations in the harsh conditions of the high-altitude region.

As part of Mashreq Bank’s Climb2Change initiative, a team of climbers managed to remove 1.727 tons of waste from 16 mountain sites, including K2 and Broad Peak. Rizvi explained that the primary focus of the drive was to clean K2 from Base Camp to Camp 3. A total of 500 kg of waste was collected from the K2 area, including 334 kg from Base Camp to Camp 3 and 166 kg from the Base Camp itself. The waste was then transported using their own resources over a 100-km journey to the CKNP facility in Askoli for proper disposal.

Similarly, Allied Bank Pakistan conducted its own K2 Base Camp Clean-up Campaign in partnership with CKNP, during which 1,200 kg of solid waste was collected and transported to the same CKNP facility for incineration and disposal.

Rizvi urged climbers to minimize their luggage and take responsibility for bringing back their waste, emphasizing that the fragile ecosystem of glaciers cannot bear the burden of pollution.

Meanwhile, mountaineer Naila Kiani, who spearheaded the Climb2Change initiative alongside Mashreq Bank, said the campaign aimed to tackle the escalating problem of waste accumulation at high altitudes, particularly around K2—the world’s second-highest peak—and other nearby sites. The project also sought to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among local communities and businesses.

The expedition team included renowned climbers such as Portuguese mountaineer Maria Conceicao, Akbar Hussein, Shabbir Hussein, Bashir Hushe, Basharat Sadpara, and Dilawar Sadpara. Their efforts resulted in the removal of plastic waste, old ropes, discarded tents, oxygen tanks, wrappers, and soda cans from some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.

Maria Conceicao made history during the expedition as the first Portuguese woman to summit K2. However, the endeavor was not without tragedy. Pakistani climber Murad Sadpara, also a member of the clean-up team, lost his life in August while attempting to summit Broad Peak. Sadpara was accompanying Conceicao when a heavy rock struck him, leading to his tragic death.

Kiani highlighted the difficulties faced during the mission, particularly the extreme altitude and treacherous terrain of K2. “Over a rigorous 50-day expedition, 1.727 tons of waste were removed from 16 mountain sites, including K2 and Broad Peak Base Camps, as well as the trails leading to them,” Kiani said. She added that the waste has been handed over to CKNP for appropriate treatment and disposal, but emphasized that continuous efforts are essential to preserve the natural beauty of the region.

“One-time clean-ups help, but with more visitors comes more waste. It’s crucial for the government to enforce strict regulations to prevent further pollution,” she stressed.