ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) on Tuesday organised a consultative workshop of representatives from various organisations and tour operators to explore ways to curb pollution on Baltoro, K2 base camp trek.

Senior officials of PTDC, Alpine Club of Pakistan, Himalayan Wildlife Foundation, Tour Operators Associations, Adventure Club, Karakuram Club, Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department and others participated in the meeting.

PTDC Managing Director Aftab Rana said that Pakistan had the best season for K2 climbing this year. However, poor solid waste management on the trekking route emerged as the major issue.

“It is good news that Pakistan’s name in the world of mountaineering is highlighted and climbers from across the world participated in this climbing season, but negative news on environmental issues were also reported that highlighted pollution and waste management issues on the trekking route to the K2 base camp,” he noted.

He said it was a challenging situation and there was a need to propose a strategy to the government to adopt eco-friendly management of expeditions on this route which was now part of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP).

This year, more than 3,800 trekkers and mountaineers were registered who used the trekking route.

It was the highest number so far and besides this there was more of the support staff who handled the expeditions and trekking groups, he said, adding: ”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.”

Various stakeholders made suggestions to improve the overall management of adventure in this region with special focus on maintaining the natural landscape of the Baltoro area.

After identifying the problems, the participants suggested that a cleanup operation should be started at earliest and all guides, high altitude porters, camp staff, expedition cooks should be trained in hygiene standards and maintaining good cleanliness of camping sites.

Other suggestions were to develop the alternate Thalle route to Bardomal and a monitoring system to keep check on pollution left behind by the expedition members. Liaison officers and mountain guides must also be trained.

It was also suggested that trained and certified porters should be hired and disposal of litter on the trek could be ensured by providing waste collection bags to all groups going on the trek and these bags must be collected on their return.

The participants agreed to hold another meeting to develop a joint action plan for better solid waste management at these sites.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2022