Congestion didn't kill climbers on Mount Everest: Nepal

Katmandu: Rebutting the claim that the largest 'traffic jam' on the Mount Everest took the life of eleven mountineers this spring season, Department of Tourism (DoT) on Thursday claimed that high altitude sickness and health issues were the reasons, IANS reported.

"Our attention has been drawn to the wrong information about deaths on Everest conveyed by national and international media," said Dandu Raj Ghimire, Director General of DoT, adding that a "traffic jam" did not cause the deaths.

Ghimire held adverse weather conditions responsible on the basis of the post-mortem report of the deceased climbers.

Nepal's DoT faced a lot of criticism for issuing permit in excess to climb the world’s tallest peak and placing the life of mountineers at stake, The Himalayan Times reported.

However, a statement released by the DoT mentioned the past data on the number of permits issued to show that there wasn't a huge difference.

DoT issued 366 expedition permits in 2017 and 346 expedition permits in 2018, wheras 381 permits were issued this year.

"Hence, it untrue that congestion killed climbers on Mount Everest and we urge everyone not to be swayed by false information," the statement added.

Ghimire also attacked the international media for disseminating such 'wrong' information.

"Such false news tarnishes our image and affects our mountaineering sector. Therefore, everyone should think twice before passing such misleading messages in international platform," he added.

Reports suggest that 11 climbers were dead or missing so far this season. Many believe that the majority of bodies must have remained buried under glaciers.