Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Tuesday organized a consultative workshop of various organizations’ representatives and tour operators to discuss the issue of increasing pollution on Baltoro and K2 Base Camp Trek.
The PTDC’s senior officials, Alpine Club of Pakistan, Himalayan Wildlife Foundation, Tour Operators Associations, Adventure Club, Karakuram Club, GB Tourism Department and others participated in the meeting, said a news release.
PTDC Managing Director Aftab Rana said that Pakistan had the best season for K2 climbing this year, but poor solid waste management on the trekking route emerged as the major issue.
“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, “ he noted.
He said it was challenging situation and there was a need to propose a strategy to the government to adopt ecofriendly 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 handle 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.”
