Kalpana Das: A Life Consumed By Everest

Kalpana Das: A Life Consumed By Everest

In a tragic turn of events, famous Odia mountaineer Kalpana Dash, who was on her second expedition to Mount Everest, breathed her last on May 23 while descending from the summit point (29,029 feet).

53 year old Dash was a part of the three women expedition team from Nepal and China who were on a mission to scale the Everest and spread the message of universal peace and friendship. 

Dash along with her team members Kanchhi Maya Tamang from Nepal and Liyamu Ma from China successfully scaled the summit of Mt Everest at around 12.15 pm (Nepal time). Things went downhill when while returning from the summit point, Dash complained about breathlessness and a severe pain in her leg. The team had just crossed around 800-900metres from the summit point and reached the Balcony area (above 26,247 feet) where Kalpana lost her battle of life.

Kalpana hails from Dhenkanal and became the first mountaineer from Odisha to climb Mt Everest in May 2008. She also climbed different peaks in India, Nepal, Europe, South America and Australia. For a long time, Kalpana had been contemplating to scale the Everest for the second time. She attempted to climb the mountain again in 2004 and 2006 but failed to do so because of bad weather and health issues.

Her excitement knew no bounds over this expedition, evident from her extensive preparation for the past year. Kalpana left for the expedition in the first week of April. She even paid a tribute to her mother from Everest when on the occasion of Mother’s day she posted a photo of her mother on social media from the base camp (17500 feet) stating ‘Bou,   Asichi Everest’. She displayed her love for Odisha when she proudly shared a picture of her wearing a Sambalpuri Saree in a bid to promote Odia culture.

As per the information, her team members had to leave her mortal remains near the balcony area and return to camp IV since it was not possible for them to carry it back. As the Balcony area of Mt Everest is a narrow stretch, the mountaineers have tied it from the side cliff of Balcony area.

Jogabyasa Bhoi mountaineer from Kalahandi who climbed Mt Everest in 2011, said, “It is sad news for us. I had an interaction with her 10 days ago and she talked about her summit expedition plans. At that time, she was waiting for their turn to climb.”

There are reports that at the time when Kalpana was descending from the summit point, there were around 200 other mountaineers waiting for their turn.

Worried about reports of traffic jam near balcony area, mountaineer Bhoi said, “The Balcony area of Mt Everest is a narrow stretch where only one mountaineer can pass at a time. But this year there has been a huge traffic jam near balcony which led to the demise of a few mountaineers.”

As of now, the major concern is to bring back her mortal remains to the country which seems a herculean task. When asked how difficult it would be to bring her back, Bhoi said, “It is a difficult task as her body is near the summit point which is around 8,600 meters (26,247 feet). Only a team of Sherpa can take up the task to rescue the body and bring her back to base camp. It involves lots of risk and money. If the authorities of the state government and Indian government intervene and interact with the Nepal government, we can expect something. However, we don’t have much time. She has to be brought back by June, post which the base will be closed for the monsoons.”

Expressing grief Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said “I am saddened to learn about the demise of Kalpana Dash while descending from Mt. Everest. Her legacy in mountaineering will inspire generations of young women in the state. My condolences to the bereaved family.”

Vishal K Dev, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services stated the they are committed to bring back her mortal remains. “Kalpana Dash had repeatedly brought accolades to the state and with her loss the state has lost one of its finest. We are committed to bring her mortal remains back to her state. It is reported to be at the balcony, approximately 8600 meters’ height above sea level. We have written to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and are in touch with them regarding the search and rescue operation,” said Dev.

Since the expedition season is coming to an end in the next three days, the embassy has been urged to take up the search and rescue operation on priority and the entire expenses will be borne by the state government. The family of late Dash was contacted and has been assured all support, he added. 

PICTURE SOURCE: INTERNET