BYD partners with Airlift to collect waste in Everest region using drone technology

KATHMANDU: The world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha (Mount Everest), has long been Nepal’s most iconic symbol, placing the nation firmly on the global tourism map. Beyond its religious, cultural, and economic significance, Everest remains central to Nepal’s identity as a Himalayan nation. However, the increasing number of climbers and trekkers in recent years has created a mounting environmental crisis: waste accumulation on the slopes of the mountain.

With climate change threatening fragile Himalayan ecosystems, the problem of waste management in the Everest region has become urgent. In a groundbreaking step, drone technology is now being deployed to transport and collect waste from the mountain.

Drone Technology for Waste Collection

Simex Inc., the authorized distributor of BYD (Build Your Dreams) electric vehicles in Nepal, has partnered with Nepali drone company Airlift Technologies to implement this initiative. According to Simex, the project targets the collection of 1,000 kilograms of waste from the Everest region.

The initiative is part of BYD’s global climate campaign, “Cool the Earth by 1 Degree,” which focuses on promoting clean energy and reducing carbon emissions. Simex CEO Sahil Shrestha explained that the company joined the campaign both financially and technically as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

“Our mission is to protect Mount Everest and support climate change mitigation. As a national pride, Everest deserves advanced technology to ensure its preservation. This campaign is our continuation of efforts toward sustainable development and a cleaner environment,” Shrestha stated.

Drone Capabilities in Harsh Conditions

According to Airlift Technologies’ Director Milan Pandey, the drones used in Everest can fly at a speed of 15 meters per second and withstand extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. This innovation reduces the risks faced by traditional waste carriers, who previously had to spend six to seven hours transporting loads down dangerous slopes.

“With drones, the same operation now takes just one to two minutes,” Pandey noted. “In the past, climbers and porters lost lives while fixing ropes or carrying loads in areas like the Khumbu Icefall. Drone technology not only makes waste collection easier but also saves human lives.”

He added that waste from as high as 6,130 meters is now being airlifted to the Everest Base Camp using drones, in cooperation with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.

Previous Achievements and Expansion Plans

Airlift has already collected 234 kilograms of waste from Camp 1 of Everest and 641 kilograms from Ama Dablam in 2024. This year, in collaboration with Simex Inc., the team has collected an additional 286 kilograms of waste from the Everest region and plans to expand operations to Ama Dablam and Manaslu.

The company aims to extend the waste collection campaign to other Himalayan peaks and national parks, broadening its impact on Nepal’s fragile mountain ecosystems.

Simex Inc.’s Marketing Head, Samir Shrestha, confirmed that waste collection is ongoing this season. “Last year, Airlift successfully removed 286 kilograms of waste from Everest’s Camp 1 using drones. This year, with Simex joining hands with Airlift, we have launched a mission to collect 1,000 kilograms of waste,” he said.

Global and Local Significance

The Everest drone waste collection project represents more than just environmental protection. It reflects Nepal’s readiness to integrate green technology, public-private partnerships, and international CSR campaigns into its tourism and environmental sectors.

As Nepal continues to attract global trekkers, climbers, and adventure seekers, sustainable tourism practices have become vital to preserving the Himalayas. The involvement of BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle companies, highlights the growing intersection of business, environment, and tourism in Nepal.

The project is expected to set a precedent for future FDI-backed environmental initiatives in the country. It demonstrates how private companies, local municipalities, and international climate campaigns can work together to tackle pressing environmental challenges in one of the world’s most sensitive ecosystems.