The world's highest peak, Mount Everest, has earned the dubious reputation of being the "highest landfill on earth" due to piles of empty cans, gas canisters, plastics, and discarded climbing gear. AFP reported on the 26th that a drone operation team has stationed at Everest Base Camp for this climbing season, using their developed heavy-duty drones to bring revolutionary change to the cleanup efforts.
This initiative is led by Nepali company “Airlift Technology.” During this year’s spring climbing season from April to early June, the team operated two DJI FC 30 heavy-duty drones, flying to Camp 1 at an altitude of 6,065 meters. At this altitude, where human labor is highly inefficient, the drones slung 300 kilograms of garbage down the mountain.
Project leader Mahajan said that previously, the only options were helicopters or human porters.
Job Done in 10 Minutes, Much More Efficient Than Humans
Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee Chairman Sherpa said that the drones’ efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety far surpass previous methods. He told AFP: “The drone can carry a load in just 10 minutes that would take 10 people six hours to haul.” These drones cost around $20,000 each and are provided by a China-based manufacturer to support this cleanup operation. Part of the operational costs is covered by local authorities.
In addition to clearing waste, these drones are also deployed to deliver critical mountaineering equipment such as oxygen bottles, ladders, and ropes, greatly reducing the number of risky trips that guides and support staff must take through the most deadly section of Everest—the Khumbu Icefall. This move has significantly improved the safety of route-setting teams.