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Ila Sharma

Born: 24 Oct 1966

Death: 12 July 2025

Ila Sharma, lawyer, journalist, and former Election Commissioner of Nepal, passed away on 12 July, at the age of 59, following a sudden heart attack. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to democracy, journalism, and women empowerment.

Born in 1966, Sharma’s professional journey began in journalism, where she made a lasting mark as a contributor and editor of The Rising Nepal. 

In 2013, she was appointed as the commissioner at the Election Commission of Nepal, where she served until 2019. Her tenure was historic—overseeing Nepal’s first federal parliamentary elections under the new constitution in 2017 and its first provincial elections in two decades, ushering the country into a new era of federal governance following years of political upheaval.

Sharma was known for her fierce integrity, her advocacy for democratic values, and her tireless efforts toward women’s representation in governance.

President Ram Chandra Paudel and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba expressed their grief at Sharma’s sudden passing. Minister Deuba described her as “a true friend who was actively involved in Nepali journalism and the empowerment of women.”

Sharma’s daughter Shaivya Poudyal said, “The passing of my mother is a profound loss to Nepal and to all who believe in ethical public service and planetary justice. Beyond her professional achievements, she was deeply committed to justice in its broadest form. A tireless advocate for the rights of animals and the environment, she believed that compassion must extend to all beings. Her home was a refuge for stray animals, and her life reflected a deep reverence for coexistence.”

Sharma will be remembered not only for her leadership, intellect, and service—but for her unwavering belief that a just society is one that protects the voiceless, both human and non-human.

Bhojraj Pokharel, former Chief Election Commissioner, remembered Sharma as a well spoken person, intelligent, forward and optimistic.

Sharma’s friend Shyam Goenka said, “The sad demise of Ila Sharma has left a void that may never be possible to fill. Her contribution for Nepal has been so mammoth that it is difficult to comprehend one human being accomplishing it all in one lifetime as a democratic leader, administrator, advocate, human rights activist,  journalist and above all, as a rare humanist.”

While her professional credentials have been so immense, her human side was just unparalleled in public life, he added. “She restlessly worked with a huge sense of compassion for social justice, poverty alleviation, equity, and inclusion.”

Sharma’s impact on Nepal’s democratic journey, and her efforts toward equality and representation, will not be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the nation she served with grace and courage. She is survived by her husband, SY Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, and their two daughters.

Balaram Gharti Magar

Birth: 1937

Death: 2025

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) senior leader and former minister Balaram Bal Bahadur Gharti Magar passed away on 11 July 2025, while undergoing treatment at B&B Hospital, Lalitpur. He was 88 years old.

Born in Mizing, Rolpa, Gharti Magar was one of Nepal’s foremost political figures—a minister 11 times, serving the nation with distinction across both the Panchayat and multi-party eras. He is remembered as a man of simplicity, integrity, and vision, who rose from the remote hills of Rolpa to the highest echelons of national leadership. He has seven daughters. 

He began his political journey in 1961 as a ward member in the newly formed village Panchayat system. By 1962, at just 24 years old, he became a National Panchayat Member, marking the beginning of a public career spanning over three decades. His roles included key portfolios such as Defense, Health, Home, Land Reforms, Industry, and Science and Technology—in both Panchayat governments and democratically elected cabinets, including those of Tulsi Giri, Surya Bahadur Thapa, and Sher Bahadur Deuba.

A loyal advocate for clean politics, Gharti Magar earned the reputation of being a principled and incorruptible leader. His tenure was marked by people-centered development, and his deep affection for his home district was evident in his relentless efforts to develop Rolpa’s infrastructure, education, health, and transportation systems. He was instrumental in initiating road connectivity and air services, significantly transforming the region.

Originally active in Nepali Congress, he later joined the Panchayat system and was a key figure in the ‘Gaun Farka National Campaign’. After the political transition of 1989, he became a senior leader in the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, continuing to contribute to national politics with unwavering dedication.

The RPP, in an official statement by Spokesperson and Chief Whip Gyanendra Bahadur Shahi, mourned his loss, calling him “a guardian, a true public servant, and an inspiring personality” who lived a simple life with high ideals. His death is not just a loss to Nepali politics, but to the entire nation.

Mohan Shrestha, Central Committee Member of the RPP, expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ghartimagar. He said, “Ghartimagar-ji was a remarkable person—full of wisdom—even though he had limited formal education. His knowledge and character made him truly great.”

Shrestha added that Ghartimagar was a strong believer in unity within the party. “He always urged us not to abandon the main branch of the RPP, especially during times when the party faced divisions. He not only preached unity but lived by it, joining the party from the very beginning and remaining a loyal member until his last days,” Shrestha recalled.

Gharti Magar was more than a politician—he was a visionary, a mentor, and a humble son of the soil, who always remained deeply connected to the joys and struggles of his people. He regularly returned to his village, providing help, guidance, and inspiration to generations.

Heavy rains in the evenings and intense heat in the daytime are exacerbating the risk of dengue, malaria and other vector-borne diseases across the country.

With more rainfall predicted this monsoon compared to preceding seasons, health authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid potential outbreaks.

Data from the World Health Organization show that dengue—an illness transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with dengue virus (DENV)—afflicts 100m-400m people around the world every year.

According to government statistics, Nepal saw one of its worst dengue outbreaks in history, with 52,557 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, in 2022. While the numbers dropped in 2024, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) reported 34,385 cases and 13 deaths, affecting 76 districts across the country. 

Aware of a serious threat to public health arising from the vector-borne disease, the government has already implemented a regular surveillance and monitoring system through an early warning and reporting mechanism.

At the same time, it has strengthened integrated vector management strategies for mosquito surveillance with the objective of controlling vectors that transmit diseases like malaria, dengue and zika. These strategies combine various control methods, including biological, chemical, environmental and public health education, to optimize resource use and achieve sustainable vector control.

The EDCD has projected that more than 60,000 people could contract dengue across the country this year, and prepared an action plan to mitigate possible outbreaks.

The EDCD’s estimate is based on past trends, climatic conditions and the early onset of cases this year. The division is currently coordinating with local governments and health institutions to strengthen surveillance, awareness campaigns and vector control measures.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using protective clothing as well as repellents.

Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has recommended halting construction works for four months—from July to October—to control dengue and save lives. 

Minister Paudel also emphasized the importance of a cleanliness campaign to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and asked all to join it. He stated that raising awareness is key to preventing the spread of dengue. “It is essential to inform the public and work together,” he said. Minister Paudel urged everyone to keep their surroundings free of dengue larvae to protect themselves and others. He also asked citizens to take part in regular sanitation efforts every Friday, from July to October.

Dr Anup Subedee, an infectious disease specialist, emphasized the importance of raising awareness to prevent the spread of dengue. “While awareness programs are going on, the government, local authorities and communities must work together to make them effective,” he said: In particular, the government must remain vigilant, as we expect a rise in dengue cases this season.

Dr Subedee warned that the current period is a transitional phase, with changing weather and noticeable climate shifts. “The peak season for the spread of dengue has not arrived yet. When it arrives, we fear that more people will suffer—possibly for a prolonged period because of the climatic shift,” he added.

Using bed nets, applying mosquito repellent creams for short-term protection, keeping the surroundings clean and removing stagnant water are some of the effective ways to reduce the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr Subedee noted that dengue can come with a variety of symptoms. “Not all cases require hospital visits. For minor symptoms like headaches and body aches, people don’t need to visit hospitals. They can take care of their health at home by taking paracetamol and staying well-hydrated with fluids such as pulses, soup, juice and other liquids,” he said.

Dr Subedee added, “Some cases require medical attention. If someone experiences persistent fever and severe body pain for more than 3-4 days, they should visit a hospital as soon as possible and consult a doctor. In more serious cases, dengue can affect internal organs such as the lungs and pancreas.”

Though rare, severe dengue can lead to serious complications such as acute pancreatitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), affecting the pancreas and lungs. These conditions may result from direct viral damage, immune responses or plasma leakage. Symptoms like abdominal pain and fever can delay diagnosis, and even if fever subsides, dengue should still be suspected in patients showing other symptoms associated with the disease. In severe cases, especially dengue hemorrhagic fever, organ damage and respiratory failure may occur, emphasizing the need for early recognition and medical attention.

Dengue rapid test kits available at government health institutions can help with timely diagnosis that is so crucial in saving lives. Furthermore, the EDCD has approved and published a comprehensive dengue prevention and control action plan on the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025.

With the rise of dengue patients in the hospital, labs and most hospitals take this as an opportunity to take benefit from the citizens. Addressing the issue, Minister Paudel stated, “We will try to make dengue testing free and if that’s not possible, we will set a fixed rate. He warned against fleecing the poor and suffering people in the name of testing.

Minister Paudel admitted that the government needs to do more on the dengue control front, adding that it is preparing to collaborate with the media for disseminating relevant information among the public.

The members of the House of Representatives (HoR) have expressed grief over the loss of lives and property from the devastating flood along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa on Tuesday night. They urged the government to pursue diplomatic measures to address the growing risk of such disasters arising from transboundary situations.

Several lawmakers expressed concerns about the risk of glacier outbursts in various parts of China and urged the government to establish an information-sharing system and diplomatic cooperation. Lawmakers Rajendra Bajgain, Madhav Prasad Sapkota, and Sher Bahadur Kunwar were among those who raised an alarm by the damage caused by the Lende river, which merges with the Bhotekoshi river, along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwagadhi. They also called on the government to intensify search and rescue efforts for the missing persons.

At least 19 people, including two police personnel and six Chinese and 11 Nepali, remain missing. Nine bodies were recovered as of Wednesday. 

According to China’s state news agency, Xinhua, more than 300 people, including many Nepalis, were safely relocated after flash floods swept through Gyirong County on Tuesday. 

The flash floods struck the Gyirong Port area along the China-Nepal border, leaving 11 people missing on the Chinese side. 

Landslides and floods have disrupted key transport routes, including the Syafrubeshi-Timure road and Birgunj-Galchhi-Dewighat-Trishuli-Rasuwagadhi road. Work is underway to remove the landslide debris.  Similarly, the Dhunche-Syafrubeshi road section has also been blocked after a landslide at Thulo Bharkhu. 

Tuesday night’s flood and landslide have also blocked the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road section at various places, according to the District Administration Office, Rasuwa. 

As of late Wednesday afternoon, 57 people trapped in the flood and landslide have been rescued—30 of them by helicopter, according to the Nepali Army.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inspected the flood and landslide-affected area on Tuesday, and directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to expedite the search and rescue work.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to coordinate with China through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reopen the Kerung border crossing by rebuilding the damaged bridge and the road. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport will also work to open alternative border crossings with China. The Ministry of Home Affairs will lead the relief program for the affected families, while the Ministry of Health and Population will provide free treatment to the injured. 

Prime Minister Oli has informed that he has requested the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal to immediately construct a bailey bridge on the washed away Friendship Bridge. He stressed the need for a systematic operation of alternative routes including the Korala border crossing in Mustang to link Nepal and China.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) reported that the flood entered the substation at the Trishuli-3B, taking 250 MW of electricity off the national grid.

In a separate incident, a flood in Upper Mustang on Tuesday evening destroyed six bridges, according to the District Police Office, Mustang. The Chumjung River in Chhoser, Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, a village on the northern border of Nepal and China, experienced a heavy flood for about three hours. 

As local residents were given prior warning about the possible danger, there were no human casualties. The flooding in the area has subsided for now, but the local authorities have requested the locals to take necessary precautions 

It has been suspected that the Rasuwa landslide and flood may have been caused due to the burst of a glacial lake in the Tibetan region. Climate expert Ujjwal Upadhyaya in his social media said, “Looking at the weather activity satellite images of the past 12 hours, it does not appear that there has been such heavy rainfall in the Kerung watershed area in Tibet. Therefore, there could be three other reasons besides the rain—glacial lake eruption, avalanche or massive landslide that formed a natural dam and stopped the flow of the river for a while and then the dam burst and took the form of a massive flood.”

However, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said no conclusive evidence has been found so far. 

“Satellite images taken before the flood show a rise in glacial lakes, but cloud cover is obstructing confirmation of a lake breach or sudden volume change,” ICIMOD said in a statement.

“Preliminary reports and social media visuals indicate the floodwaters originated from Lende river, which flows into Nepal from the east of the Bhotekoshi in Kerung, Rasuwa. However, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM)’s water level data shows no signs of river damming or breach, such as sudden spikes in upstream levels—suggesting that temporary blockage is unlikely.”

Qianggong Zhang, head of Climate and Environmental Risk at ICIMOD, said it’s hard to understand the exact reason behind the hazards, and the scenarios need to be accounted for while planning for response, relief and reconstruction measures in mountain settings. 

Pema Gyamtsho, director general at ICIMOD, emphasized that disaster preparedness and management in our region needs major and urgent investment—of funds, talent, and tools. He reaffirmed that ICIMOD will continue to work closely with disaster risk reduction experts and agencies to accelerate the scaling up of the best approaches to monitoring, forecasting, and early-warning systems that this region so urgently needs.

A devastating flood in the Lhendi River, which flows from Tibet into Nepal, has washed away the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi—a trade link between Nepal and China—halting all cross-border movement and causing widespread destruction to infrastructure, vehicles, and lives.

The flood, which struck at around 3:15 am on Tuesday, not only swept away the bridge but also caused severe damage to roads, the under construction dry port, the Rasuwagadhi customs yard, and the dam of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project. Containers, electric vehicles, and essential border infrastructure have been destroyed, leading to an economic and humanitarian crisis.

According to Chief District Officer (CDO) Arjun Poudel, “The flood has caused extensive damage, and we fear there may be human casualties. Rescue operations are being hampered by continuous rainfall, bad weather, and landslides at 10 different locations along the Syafrubesi-Timure road section.”

Fifty-five people trapped on the dam side of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower have been rescued. Rescue teams of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepali Army (NA) have said that 55 people have been rescued as of 3:30 pm on Tuesday. The rescued people include four women and 51 men. One Chinese national is also among the rescued people.

Three police personnel too went out of contact in the mission and they were identified as Assistant Sub-inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha and Constables Munna Thakur and Lokendra Bohora. They were deployed from the Area Police Office in Timure for rescue efforts but were swept away by the floodwaters. A team of 94 people including Police, APF and NA were deployed for rescue. According to the District Police Office, Rasuwa, the bodies of seven people have been recovered in various places.

At least 20 people are said to be missing. The missing Chinese nationals are identified as Yu Yue, Li Huaqin, Yang Chuan, Yu Haihang, Yu Qiao Chui and Zhou Yong. The missing Nepalis include several drivers and laborers working near the customs area and dry port. 

A rescue of an elderly couple—Palden Tamang (60) and Mangali Tamang (67)—was successfully conducted by NA helicopters after they clung to a tree in the Trishuli River for over three hours. “Had the helicopter not arrived on time, we would have died,” said Palden, scared. 

They had gone to the river to collect firewood in the morning. However, they were stranded when the river level suddenly rose due to a flood. After falling in the middle, they had to climb a tree for some time.

The Friendship Bridge, a vital artery for bilateral trade, was originally constructed with Chinese investment after the 2015 earthquake damaged the old bridge. It was repaired after another flood in 2020. The bridge served as a crucial entry point for goods entering Nepal from Kerung, China.

CDO Poudel said the disaster has completely halted import-export activities, cutting off the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung trade corridor after 12 years of connectivity. “The flood has not only cut off road communication but has inflicted severe damage on the customs yard, containers, and charging stations for electric cargo vehicles,” he added.

A total of 64 vehicles were swept away by the flood, including 23 cargo containers, six freight trucks, and 35 new electric vehicles. Just a week ago, the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) published a news article mentioning the risk of floods and landslides in the Rasuwagadhi area where the Customs Office asked the owners to take their vehicles that had passed the inspection to another place. But the caution was ignored. 

The National Insurance Authority said the insurance claim process will be simplified for damage caused by the flood, including the vehicles.

The under construction Timure Dry Port in Rasuwa suffered 60 percent physical damage. 

Additionally, the flood severely damaged the dam of the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, raising concerns about the safety and sustainability of energy infrastructure in the region. The bailey bridge along the Galchhi–Betrabati–Syafrubesi road, a critical access route for local communities, was also swept away. 

Meanwhile, widespread road damage has been reported at more than 10 locations, including major disruptions at Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2 Tatopani, leaving many areas isolated and complicating ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli suspended all scheduled programs except essential ones following the damage caused by the floods in Rasuwa. In a statement, Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and urged the government to intensify response efforts. 

PM Oli said that he is coordinating to provide emergency assistance by suspending the programs. He wrote on social media on Tuesday, “The government is on a war footing to rescue those affected by the floods in the Trishuli River due to heavy rains in the border area of ​​Tibet.” He also directed that no reduction should be made in the efforts made by the government. 

A government team including PM Oli visited the disaster scene. The team included Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi and other government officials, said Home Ministry spokesperson Ramchandra Tiwari.

Nepal has sought China’s cooperation in rescue and recovery. Authorities have warned that floods and landslides are likely to continue during the monsoon season. The Rasuwagadhi region has a long history of flood-related damages, with the Lhendi River regularly overflowing during heavy rains.

“We are collecting full details of the damage in both Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts,” said CDO Poudel. “Our priority is to continue rescue missions and provide relief to the affected families.”

As the rain continues, locals and border communities remain on high alert. Rescue teams are racing against time, navigating destroyed roads, ongoing landslides, and treacherous conditions to search for the missing and assist survivors.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Flood Forecasting Division reported a sudden large inflow into the Bhotekoshi River from the Tibetan region. The division has made public a preliminary study report on the Bhotekoshi flood.

According to the division’s preliminary report, the water level at the automatic water gauging station located at Rasuwa Timure, a little downstream from the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint, suddenly increased by about 3.5 meters at 3:10 am. The water level at the station, which was 3.65 meters at 3:30 am, suddenly reached 5.37 meters at 3:40 am and data transmission from the center was immediately stopped, the division said. Quoting the center’s gauge reader, the division also informed that the center itself was swept away by the flood.

Officials from the Disaster Management Authority and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology suspect that there may have been heavy rain in neighboring China or that the dam may have burst, leading to the flood. The division also stated that there has been no rainfall to the extent of flooding in the Bhotekoshi watershed. In the last 24 hours (from 9 am on Monday to 9 am on Tuesday), only intermittent rainfall was measured at the Canjing Meteorological Center in Rasuwa and the Dhunche Meteorological Center in Rasuwa, which are close to the Nepal-China border.

According to Sindhupalchok Assistant Chief District Officer Ganesh Nepali, Chinese officials have warned of more rain and risk tonight as rain continues to batter Nyalam, Tibet region of China.

Senior watershed expert, Madhukar Upadhya said the incident serves as a wake-up call for Nepal’s disaster preparedness—especially in the face of transboundary risks. He emphasized that no significant rainfall had occurred in Nepal during the 48 hours surrounding the incident, a fact further supported by satellite data, which showed no precipitation activity in the region. He suggested the flood could have been triggered by a lake outburst or a sudden breach in a dammed lake that had been building pressure for a long time.

“This kind of flood is not born within our borders, but we suffer its full force,” Upadhya noted. He warned that the risk of such transboundary disasters is now increasing, and Nepal must prepare for the consequences of events that originate in neighboring countries. “What makes this incident particularly tragic,” he stressed, “is the lack of early warning or communication from upstream authorities.” Just two weeks ago, he recalled, Nepal and China had successfully coordinated on a potential flood threat, which helped save many lives. This time, however, there was no exchange of such information, and the disaster struck in the night—leaving no time for alerts or evacuation.

“The early warning system wasn’t activated, and that failure cost many lives,” Upadhya said. “The fact that our safety now depends not only on our own preparedness but also on the cooperation—or silence—of others beyond our borders must change the way we approach disaster management.”

According to the estimates of the Disaster Management Authority, 523,656 people from 119,830 households in Lumbini Province will be directly affected due to the monsoon this year. In Bagmati Province, 327,376 people from 74,914 households are expected to be affected, while in Gandaki Province, 287,107 people from 65,699 households could be affected. Similarly, 275,867 people from 63,127 households in Koshi Province could be impacted. In Sudurpaschim Province, 227,730 people from 52,112 households could be affected, followed by 127,308 people from 29,132 households in Karnali Province, and 228,687 people from 52,331 households in Madhes Province.

From a distance, the Himalayas appear eternal—majestic peaks piercing the sky, shrouded in snow and silence. But beneath their postcard perfection lies a truth far more unsettling. The Himalayas are changing—rapidly, dangerously, and perhaps irreversibly.

As glaciers melt, ecosystems shift, and traditional climbing routes become unstable, Nepal’s mountaineering industry—a vital pillar of its economy and identity—now teeters at a precarious crossroads.

At the recent Sagarmatha Sambaad, the theme “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity” cast a grim spotlight on the rapidly evolving crisis. Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, said,“These mountains are now on the frontline of a rapidly intensifying climate emergency.”

Often called the “Third Pole,” the Himalayas house the largest volume of ice outside the Arctic and Antarctic. This frozen reserve—Earth’s cryosphere—feeds the rivers that sustain nearly two billion people across South Asia. Yet, as global temperatures rise, this critical water source is vanishing. A recent study showed that glaciers in the eastern Himalayas are retreating at an alarming rate. 

“What begins in the mountains ripples downstream,” Thakuri warned. “The fate of humanity is intertwined with the fate of these mountains.” Every spring, hundreds of climbers descend on Nepal with one ambition: to conquer Sagarmatha, the world’s highest peak. For many, summiting Sagarmatha is the ultimate badge of honor, a feat of endurance and courage. For Nepal, it’s also a crucial economic engine. In the spring 2025 season alone, the government issued climbing permits to 456 climbers from 57 countries, generating over Rs 676m in royalties from Sagarmatha. The total revenue from 26 peaks, including Lhotse, Makalu, and Annapurna, exceeded Rs 773m.

But Sagarmatha is changing, and not just in popularity. The Khumbu Glacier—home to the iconic base camp—is retreating by more than a meter every year. A 2022 scientific assessment even recommended relocating the base camp due to the increasing instability of the ice. Crevasses now open earlier in the season. The “death zone,” already perilous, is now compounded by unpredictable weather patterns and melting permafrost. The mountain is no longer what it once was—neither in form nor in spirit.

For many climbers, Sagarmatha no longer symbolizes adventure, but excess. The commercialization of the climb has led to an influx of “tourist climbers”—individuals who may lack adequate experience or preparation but are eager to reach the summit, often at any cost.

Nepal’s current mountaineering policy allows anyone to climb Sagarmatha analyzing their physical or technical ability. The only formal requirement is that climbers must climb 7,000 meters mountain before climbing Sagarmatha. However, in practice, enforcement is often lax, and underprepared climbers continue to receive permits.

In spring 2025, over 1,100 climbing permits were issued. The infamous 2019 photo of a human queue snaking toward the summit remains etched in public memory. “The mountain is littered with garbage, human waste, and even the bodies of those who never made it down,” says Purnima Shrestha, a renowned Nepali climber and photojournalist. “Not all the people there are physically and emotionally ready to climb the peak. That is being disrespectful to Sagarmatha.”

From 1950 to 2023, at least 353 climbers died on Sagarmatha. The deadliest years—2023 (18 deaths), 2014 (17), and 1996 (15)—were marked by avalanches, collapsing icefalls, and extreme weather events. All are exacerbated by climate change, according to Himalayan Database.

Avalanches have claimed 78 lives, falls have taken 75, and altitude sickness has led to 46 deaths. The cost of rescue missions is escalating. So are insurance premiums and operational logistics. Many Sherpas now refuse certain routes that were once considered routine. “We are playing roulette with nature,” says Pasang Sherpa, a senior guide who has summited Sagarmatha nine times. “There are places we used to trust that we now fear.”

Renowned mountaineer and Guinness World Record holder Mingma David Sherpa stressed the urgent need for better regulation and preparedness in high-altitude climbing. “Climbers must have technical knowledge before attempting any major ascent,” he said. “Only those with prior high-altitude experience should be granted permission to climb.”

While the risks are growing, so are the innovations to address them. One notable development this season is the use of xenon gas treatments to aid climbers in coping with altitude sickness. Furtenbach Adventures, a high-end expedition company, introduced the method after months of training and hypoxia acclimatization in Europe.

“The only reason why we are working with xenon is to make climbing safer, to protect climbers from high altitude sickness,” said company founder Lukas Furtenbach upon his return to Kathmandu. “This may be one step to improve the situation to make climbing high altitude mountains safer.” While the treatment was administered in Germany before the expedition, Nepal’s mountaineering authorities have launched an inquiry into its use to ensure climber safety and ethical standards.

“We are committed to protecting the natural beauty of our peaks and helping local communities grow alongside the spirit of adventure,” said Nepal’s Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey. But he added that regulation must evolve alongside the industry.

Meanwhile, initiatives to improve mountain sustainability have struggled to move beyond discussion. One such proposal, presented by ICIMOD, suggested that each major mountain be given a “one-year rest” period to recover from the environmental toll of human activity—including waste, overuse, and trail degradation. But despite its strong focus on pollution control and garbage management, the idea remains stalled at the discussion level, with no concrete implementation to date.

Dipendra Gurung, communication officer at the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), shared concerns about the current state of mountain waste management. “Garbage management was previously handled entirely by the NMA,” he said. “But over the past two years, Nepal Army has taken responsibility.” However, this year, their involvement hasn’t been visible either.”

Gurung explained the logistical and financial challenges involved. “It takes a significant amount of funding to carry out proper cleanup operations. We are doing what we can with limited resources, but bringing all the waste—and in some cases, even dead bodies—down to lower altitudes is extremely difficult.”

Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), a local organization based in the Khumbu region, plays a key role in managing waste generated by climbers. The SPCC monitors how much garbage each expedition team takes up the mountain and ensures that an equivalent amount is brought back down. If climbers return with less waste than they were registered to carry, they are fined according to the committee’s waste management policy. This system is designed to discourage dumping and promote accountability on the mountain.

Nepal’s economy leans heavily on tourism, particularly mountaineering and trekking. Thousands of porters, guides, hoteliers, and service workers depend on seasonal climbing income. But with increasing climate volatility, the very bedrock of this industry is cracking.

Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) pose a catastrophic threat. One such flood could wipe out entire villages, bridges, and key trekking routes. The infrastructure built over decades could vanish in minutes. And yet, Nepal remains one of the world’s lowest carbon emitters—contributing just 0.57 tons of CO₂ per capita in 2023, far below the global average of 6.76. Despite this, it bears a disproportionate brunt of climate impacts.

Nepal is not watching this disaster unfold passively. Through frameworks like the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs), the government is empowering grassroots efforts—especially among women and Indigenous groups who have long been custodians of mountain ecology.

Community forestry programs have flourished. Women’s cooperatives are promoting climate-smart agriculture. Young entrepreneurs are designing eco-lodges, clean trekking initiatives, and sustainable tourism models that merge tradition with innovation.

One such effort is “Clean Himalaya,” a Sherpa-led waste collection campaign that retrieves several tons of garbage from Sagarmatha each year. Another is “Green Peak,” a startup that offers biodegradable gear to reduce mountaineering’s environmental footprint.

The Himalayas have long been more than just a geographic landmark. They are the spine of Asia, the source of sacred rivers, the abode of gods, and the mirror of our planetary health. The melting of these mountains is not a distant problem. It demands global cooperation, corporate responsibility, and individual restraint. The mountain economy must be reimagined—not just for profit, but for preservation.

Unpredictable weather marked by intense heat and sudden rainfall has increased the risk of spread of communicable diseases like dengue and malaria, health experts warn. This year’s rainfall is expected to be heavier than usual, which could intensify the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly dengue.

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, specifically one carrying the dengue virus (DENV). The illness is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, Central and South America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. With the anticipated rise in rainfall, health authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid a potential outbreak.

This year the monsoon is expected to arrive in the third week of June, and the rainfall is estimated to be 5 percent above average. Eastern Nepal (Mechi, Koshi, Sagarmatha) is expected to receive 5–10 percent more rainfall, central Nepal (Janakpur, Bagmati, Narayani, Gandaki, and Lumbini) 4–6 percent more, and western and far-western regions are expected to receive average rainfall.

According to the World Health Organization, every year around 100–400m people get infected by Dengue from all around the world. In 2022, Nepal saw one of its worst dengue outbreaks in history: 52,557 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, according to official government statistics. While numbers dropped in 2024, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) reported 34,385 cases and 13 deaths, affecting 76 districts across the country.

Since the first reported case of dengue in Nepal in 2004, the number of infections has been steadily increasing each year. To combat this growing health threat, early detection, diagnosis, management, and reporting have become essential. A regular surveillance and monitoring system has been implemented through an early warning and reporting mechanism.

Mosquito surveillance is also being strengthened through integrated vector management strategies. Integrated Vector Management (IVM) is a strategic approach to controlling vectors that transmit diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. It combines various control methods, including biological, chemical, environmental, and public health education, to optimize resource use and achieve sustainable vector control.

To support timely diagnosis, dengue rapid test kits have been made available free of charge at government health institutions. Furthermore, a comprehensive dengue prevention and control action plan has been approved and published by the EDCD on the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025.

Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital said: “Dengue might break out at any time during the monsoon season. One should take necessary precautions and the authorities concerned should have a good preparedness plan to stop the outbreak.”

To prevent dengue, it is important to take both personal and environmental precautions. Personal protection methods include using mosquito repellents, electronic mosquito-killing machines, mosquito nets and electric bats. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is equally important.

Dr Pun emphasized that while using items like above can help prevent mosquito bites, people should not rely solely on them. “These methods only deter mosquitoes temporarily and do not eliminate them,” he said, stressing the need for long-term preventive measures, such as maintaining cleanliness and preventing water stagnation in and around homes that serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Province wise Dengue Cases (January-December 2024)

Source: Epidemiology and Disease control Division (EDCD)