'Protecting Mountains Is the Shared Responsibility of Humanity'

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has declared that protecting the Himalayas is a collective duty of all of us.

Addressing the Everest Summiteers’ Conference on Tuesday, Minister Pandey congratulated all the summiteers and emphasized the need to preserve the Himalayan culture and conserve the mountains for future generations.

He said, “We are not here only to congratulate those who have climbed the highest peaks, but also to show respect for their courage, dedication and determination.”

On the occasion, Minister Pandey expressed special appreciation for the Sherpa community, guides, rescue teams and all those continuously serving in the Himalayan region. “Their dedication has made mountain expeditions safer, environmentally sensitive and more meaningful,” the minister added.

The government is prioritizing infrastructure development, training and environmental protection, he said, expressing confidence that these measures will give mountaineering a boost. Minister Pandey further affirmed the commitment to improving the prosperity and living standards of local communities alongside mountain tourism.

Portraying the Himalayas not just as geographical mountains but as bridges of civilization, culture and coexistence, he said, “These mountains are sacred and their protection is our shared responsibility.”