KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) has announced a set of immediate and long-term measures to address irregularities in helicopter rescue operations in Nepal's trekking and mountain tourism sector, while reiterating that allegations of deliberate food contamination remain unsubstantiated.

In a press release issued on Monday, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Jaya Narayan Acharya said the ministry has taken serious note of national and international media reports alleging exaggerated altitude sickness symptoms, unnecessary helicopter evacuations, and inflated insurance claims involving a limited number of operators. The government said it recognises the urgency and sensitivity of the concerns and is acting decisively.

At the same time, the ministry joined the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), TAAN, NNMGA, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, and other bodies in clarifying that the specific allegation of guides deliberately feeding contaminated food to tourists has not been substantiated by the CIB's investigation. It urged media outlets and stakeholders to verify claims with official sources before publication to avoid the spread of misinformation damaging to Nepal's tourism image.

Acknowledging gaps in monitoring and enforcement, particularly in remote trekking regions, the government said it is implementing immediate measures to ensure transparency and accountability.

Immediate measures
The government said it is applying a zero-tolerance policy through strict investigation, blacklisting, and public disclosure of individuals and agencies found involved in fraudulent practices. It has also mobilised a joint monitoring task force comprising MoCTCA, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Nepal Police, Nepal Tourism Board, and aviation stakeholders to strengthen oversight, conduct regular audits, and ensure timely and accurate communication. The ministry added that it is open to engaging directly with international insurance providers to establish verification channels and restore confidence.

Structural reforms
In parallel, the government is advancing medium- and long-term reforms including the development of a technology-enabled Rescue Management System integrating trekker registration, rescue requests, and insurance validation; strengthened licensing requirements for guides and agencies with mandatory ethical compliance; standardised medical protocols for altitude sickness diagnosis; enhanced local-level governance in trekking regions; and the promotion of ethical tourism certification standards.

A high-level review committee coordinated by the Joint Secretary of MoCTCA has been formed to oversee strict implementation of existing procedures.

The government said it considers the situation a serious but manageable issue reflecting isolated cases of malpractice rather than systemic failure, and expressed confidence that tighter regulation, digital verification systems, and firm action against offenders would renew international trust in Nepal as a safe and responsible adventure tourism destination.