Source: Xinhua

04-21-2009 14:04

KATHMANDU, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Contamination in water bodies in the south side of Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. Sagarmatha, also known as Mt.Everest) has accelerated in recent years, due to the influx of visitors and the increase in human waste, according to a survey carried out in Nepal.

Contamination in water bodies in the south side of Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. Sagarmatha, also known as Mt.Everest) has accelerated in recent years.(File photo)

The survey, sponsored by the Hindukush Karakoram Himalaya Partnership Project EvK2 National Research Council of Italy in coordination with the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, was carried out in Sagarmatha National Park and its Buffer Zone (SNPBZ)of Nepal, some 130 km east of capital Kathmandu, in 2007 and 2008.

The survey on "Impacts of Tourism in the SNPBZ" was carried out by Professor PK Jha, in cooperation with researchers NP Ghimire and BB Shrestha of the Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University of Nepal, local newspaper The Himalayan Times reported on Tuesday.

According to the research, bacterial contamination was recorded in 13 percent water samples and one sample of mineral water. "E coli and Streptococcus faecolies were found in the waters of Khumbu Valley," Dr. Jha told the media on Monday. Dudhkoshi, Bhotekoshi, Imja Khola and Gokyo lake are the major water bodies in the region, the south side of Mt. Qomolangma.

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