Nepal to Deploy Heavy-Lifter Drones for High-Altitude Garbage Collection

In a groundbreaking initiative, Nepal will deploy heavy-lifter drones to transport garbage from Ama Dablam (6,812 meters) and later from Everest. This marks the first commercial use of drones in Nepal’s high-altitude zones. The drones, manufactured by Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) of China, will take over tasks traditionally done by Sherpas, aiming to reduce casualties on Everest.

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, and Airlift Technology Pvt Ltd to implement this advanced drone technology for efficient garbage management in the Khumbu region. In April, DJI successfully tested its FlyCart 30 drone on Everest, demonstrating its capability to airlift 234 kg per hour between Camp I and Base Camp—a task that typically requires 14 porters working for six hours.

Although there are concerns about potential job loss for Sherpas, officials highlight the drones' role in mitigating risks in the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. Sherpas will receive training to handle tasks at higher camps. During the trial phase, the drone lifted 30 kg from Camp I but only 18 kg from Camp II. A commercial agreement with DJI is forthcoming, and the municipality will oversee activities, having already invested Rs800,000 in the trial.

Climate change is exposing more garbage and bodies on Everest, posing significant health risks. This spring, nearly 100 tonnes of waste were collected, with 77.19 tonnes from the Everest base camp alone. Since 2015, climbers have been required to return with 8 kg of garbage, supported by a $4,000 deposit refunded upon compliance. The Supreme Court has mandated the regulation of expeditions to manage traffic jams and rising trash on Everest.

Drones offer a safer alternative to helicopters for transporting supplies, broadening UAV applications. The April tests with DJI FlyCart 30 successfully delivered oxygen and supplies to Camp I and transported garbage down, reaching altitudes up to 6,191.8 meters on Everest.