KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 24
A joint meeting of Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) and Buffer Zone Management Committee have expressed reservations against helicopter operations in the region, especially within the core area of SNP.
The committee has requested the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal CAAN) to prohibit the flying/landing of helicopters for commercial purposes in the area above Syangboche in the park area due to noise pollution and negative effects on the habitats and behaviour of wildlife.
However, the local stakeholders have also shown concerns over the tourist season getting affected if the request is enforced.
Talking to THT, Damber Parajuli, president of Expedition Operators Association of Nepal (EOAN), said that the local stakeholders are in talks with governments bodies over the issue and a decision is yet to be reached.
"Tourism, being a core pillar of the nation's economy, is sure to be adversely affected if the SNP's request is granted, especially during the peak season," he said.
According to him, if the decision is enforced, it will affect ongoing mountain expeditions that had made pre-booking two years ago and also those making their way up the Everest region in the coming days.
Similarly, Nima Nuru Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, said that while helicopter operations are often involved in rescue and search operations, it is also evident that they will focus on commercial operations during peak tourist season which has been affected by recent weather challenges.
"The issues raised by the SNP are not authentic and baseless. Helicopter operators have been a core player in local development of the region and continue to do so in addition to ferrying tourists up and down the mountainous region. The call for limiting commercial operations above Syangboche will minimise the options for tourists and also affect local businesses which are located high up in the region," he added.