Islamabad, (Staff Reporter)
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) here Tuesday organized a consultative workshop with representatives of various organizations and tour operators to discuss the issue of increasing pollution on Baltoro and K2 Base Camp Trek. Senior representatives of PTDC, Alpine Club of Pakistan, Himalayan Wildlife Foundation, Tour Operators Associations, Adventure Club, Karakuram Club, GB Tourism Department and others participated in the meeting.
Aftab Rana, Managing Director, PTDC on the occasion said that Pakistan had the best season of K2 climbing this year but on the other hand the issue of solid waste management on the trekking route has also come up as big problem in front of us. It is a good news that Pakistan’s name in the world of mountaineering was highlighted and climbers from across the world participated in this climbing season, but besides this, negative news on environmental issues were also reported that highlighted pollution and waste management issues on the trekking route to K2 base camp. It is challenging situation for all of us and there is a need to propose a strategy to the government to adopt ecofriendly management of expeditions on this route which is now part of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).
This year, more than 3800 trekkers and mountaineers were registered who went on this trekking route which is also the highest number so far and besides this, there was more of the support staff who handle the expeditions and trekking groups, he said adding that ”We cannot afford to lose wilderness of this area as Baltoro is the prime wilderness of Pakistan and we have to maintain it its original form.”
Dr. Anis Ur Rehman, gave a detailed presentation on the issue of solid waste in the area of Baltoro trek and highlighted different options to manage this problem. Later on discussion held and stakeholders made different suggestions to improve the overall management of adventure in this regions with special focus on maintaining the naturel landscape of this area. Participants suggested that a viable mechanism is needed with clear responsibility of each stakeholder instead of shifting responsibilities to others.
After identifying the problems, Participants suggested that a Cleanup operation should be started at earliest, all guides, high altitude porters, camp staff, expedition cooks should be trained in hygiene standards and maintaining good cleanliness of camping sites, the alternate Thalle route to Bardomal should also be developed, a proper monitoring system need to be put in place to keep check on pollution left behind by the expedition members. Liaison Officers and Mountain Guides must also be trained besides the staff of CKNP for effectively perform their role. It was also suggested that trained and certified porters should be hired and strict control of disposal of litter on the trek can be enforced by providing waste collection bags to all groups going on this trek and these bags must be collected on their return from the trek at designated place at the end of trekking route. Participants agreed to hold next meeting to develop a joint action plan with clear responsibility of each parting to manage this important issue. Next meeting of the group is now expected in next week.
