A record-breaking mountaineer is facing criticism and a possible investigation after unfurling a giant flag of Kuwait on top of a mountain in Nepal.
Nepal-born Nirmal Purja made history last month when he became the first person to scale 14 mountains over 8,000 meters high within six months.
However, the former member of the British armed forces has been heavily criticised after he posted a photo of Kuwaiti flag on top of Mount Ama Dablam, on the eastern part of Nepal. The flag was reported to be 100 meters long and 30 meters wide.
On 16 November, Purja posted a video on social media showing a giant Kuwaiti flag on the side of the mountain.
He said he helped his friends from Kuwait to “celebrate their upcoming national day’, on February 25.
But many of his supporters including Nepalis have been quick to criticize his judgement saying his actions disrespected the mountain and the people.
Comparing the mountain to “our mother’, one Twitter user said he would never like to see our mother draped in any foreign flag”.
Another user echoed similar sentiments saying mountains can’t be used as tools of promotion.
However, Nirmal Purja has defended his action urging people to be more positive.
“It seems like people don’t do enough research nowadays and are keen to put their opinion with little knowledge”, he said in a follow-up statement.
“Little knowledge is dangerous”, added Purja.
He went on to emphasize that this initiative had helped more than 40 Nepalis including Sherpa guides, camp staff and porters.
Nirmal Purja MBE Source: Nirmal Purja
“The project has shown the ability of Nepalese expedition leaders and agencies to manage risks and perform as good as or better than western or European counterparts”.
Highlighting the success of his project, Purja said the initiative would also help promote Nepal government’s 2020 tourism campaign to bring in more tourists to the country.
He apologized for the size of the flag that was used but defended his actions saying nothing was left behind on the mountain.
Sajal Pradhan from Nepal was among the many supporters of Nirmal Purja and questioned why people were offended by the size of the flag?
Meanwhile Nepali government officials say due to the size of the Kuwaiti flag used, prior approval would have been necessary. The Nepal Times that the government is investigating the matter.
Purja’s photo of mountaineers queuing to reach the top of Mount Everest earlier this year went viral and started debates about overcrowding in the mountains.
Overcrowding has become a serious issue in the Himalayas. Source: Nirmal Purja/Twitter @nimsdai
