Drones revolutionize the use of Everest: Danger for Sherpas is reduced!
Drones revolutionize the use of Everest: Danger for Sherpas is reduced!
The Himalayan region experiences a profound change, especially on Mount Everest. Raj Bikram Maharjan, the head of Airlift Technology, has explained the impressive progress in using drones for the transport of equipment and material in this high -risk environment. This technology has the potential to significantly improve both the security standard for Sherpas and the efficiency of expeditions. The drones transport materials such as tents, ropes and oxygen bottles, which means that work that used up to seven hours can now be done in just seven minutes, reports the small newspaper ( Kleine Zeitung ).
The drones of the Flycart 30 model, which were developed in China, can carry protective equipment for the dangerous passage of the Khumbu ice break. By using the drones, the number of risky crossings that Sherpas have to do in this dangerous section is drastically reduced. The Khumbu ice break is known for its unpredictable ice breakers and has demanded almost 50 lives since 1953. This is a decisive progress for the security situation at Everest, since expedition organizers are increasingly relying on this technology.
drones and the Sherpas
In addition to the logistical advantages, the drone use also has an impact on the Sherpa community. Many Sherpas are satisfied with the technology, despite the initial concerns that drones could endanger their jobs. The use of drones is seen as a way to reduce the dangers, in particular by providing transport services and support in the selection of route in the ice break. A group of drone operators is currently being ordered to the Everest base camp in order to find the safest ways to the Western CWM, such as Explorersweb ( Explorersweb ).The stable transport of machines and equipment enables the Sherpas to cross the Khumbu ice rink only once, which significantly minimizes the risk. The drones also provide ropes and aluminum ladders that are required for route preparation.
environmental protection and garbage disposal
Another great advantage of the drone use is support for garbage disposal at Everest. By spring 2024, drones in the region had already collected 85 tons of garbage. The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) also uses the technology for the air transportation of waste material from Camp 1 back to the basic camp. The use of such technologies is considered a more effective and environmentally friendly alternative to helicopters, which are mainly used for rescue missions above Camp 2, reports droneexl ( Droneexl ).
Despite the high costs of around $ 50,000 per drone and the challenges that have extreme weather conditions and signal disorders, a broader acceptance of drones on Everest is expected. Maharjan predicts a boom in drone use, which could also be extended to other high mountain regions such as Ama Dablam. There are considerations to train Sherpas to drone operators, which would further integrate the local population into the process.
Overall, it shows that drones not only have the potential to make expeditions at Everest more secure and more efficient, but can also make a significant contribution to environmental protection. The Himalayan region thus experiences a technological change that not only increases security, but also takes into account the needs of the local population.
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| Ort | Khumbu, Nepal |
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