Kathmandu, 26 May: Bishwa Prakash Sharma, who reached the third camp of the Everest expedition, descended to the base camp and sent a letter to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. In the letter, Sharma emphasized the need for Nepal to take a leadership role in addressing climate change.
Extending gratitude to PM Oli for organizing the Sagarmatha Sambad (Everest Dialogue), Sharma stressed that Nepal must now also lead in the context of climate change.
Mentioning the opportunity to closely observe the Himalayas after reaching Camp 3 of the Everest climb, Sharma wrote in the letter: “While the white snow-capped mountains are still visible on one side, blackened walls of ice are growing on the other. Snow is decreasing, avalanches are increasing, glacial lakes are becoming unstable, and human settlements are at risk. This tragic scene raises a serious question—if this situation persists, what condition will our mountains be in just one or two decades from now?”
Sharma, who sent a 19-point letter to PM Oli, highlighted the need to raise these issues in international debates on tackling the climate crisis. “It is essential for the state to closely recognize everyone working in this field—from icefall doctors and commercial climbers to expedition agencies, rescue workers, and laborer porters—and address their hardships,” he said.
Given Oli’s position as head of government, Sharma questioned through the letter: “If these human resources are not encouraged, the Himalayas may remain in the coming decade, but the hands that serve them may not. If that happens, how will mountaineering tourism survive?”
Additionally, Sharma demanded that Tenzing Sherpa, the first summiteer of Everest, be declared a Rashtriya Vibhuti (National Luminary). He also proposed posthumously honoring Edmund Hillary as an Honorary Citizen.
“These two personalities climbed Everest at a time when the mountain was different from what it is today. Hence, even after their passing, their names and contributions can be utilized in campaigns like ‘Himalayas as They Were Yesterday, Explorers’. Declaring Tenzing Sherpa a Rashtriya Vibhuti would collectively honor all climbers and mountain workers,” he stated.
