GROWING piles of garbage in the mountains have led the Himalayan Environment Trust to release a code of conduct for climbers. With the rise in the number of Himalayan expeditions, Jarge amounts of waste that are left on mountain slopes are becoming a major source of pollution. The new code advises campers to avoid building open fires and restrict the use of firewood. As it would be impractical to carry back the waste, mountaineers have been asked to collect and burn all biodegradable waste. Climbers should take care not to pollute local water sources and abstain from plucking plants.

Mountaineering legend Chris Bonnington said, "Though there is an awareness among climbers about the environment and the need to conserve it, few actually observe the rules. Hence, the need for norms to be spelt out."