The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, has issued a stern warning against the misuse of social media to spread false information about mountains and mountaineering. Speaking at an event organized by the Climbing Operators Association on Friday, Minister Tamang emphasized that those responsible for disseminating such propaganda will face strict penalties.
“From the point of view of tourism, the mountains are a blessing. This profession is the main source of foreign exchange earnings. Because it requires skill and art, the Sherpas who live in the Himalayas are more attached to it,” stated Tamang. He lauded the climbers’ contributions to the field of mountaineering, highlighting their significant role in promoting tourism and generating revenue for Nepal.
Minister Tamang also expressed concerns over the impacts of global warming on the Himalayas. He pointed out that climate change poses a serious threat to the region, causing glaciers to break and mountains to melt. This, he noted, increases the challenges faced by the Himalayan habitat, underscoring the necessity for its protection.
The event brought together various stakeholders from the mountaineering community, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of mountain tourism and addressing environmental challenges.
