For three decades, the frozen remains of an Indian climber, widely recognized as Green Boots, have rested near the summit of Mount Everest. The individual, identified as Dorje Morup, was an ITBP lance corporal who perished during a 1996 expedition to reach the summit from the Chinese side. His neon-colored footwear became a grim landmark for other mountaineers navigating the peak.
The Indian government is currently seeking a specialized rescue team to undertake the perilous operation of retrieving the body. Recovery in the death zone is exceptionally difficult due to extreme conditions, with temperatures frequently dropping below -40C and oxygen levels being severely depleted. Experts note that the lack of infrastructure on the northern slope compared to the Nepalese side makes this task logistically daunting and high-risk for rescue personnel.
Morup’s family has long awaited closure, holding onto memories and a Chinese summit certificate that confirms his achievement. His widow and children hope that a successful recovery will finally allow for a formal funeral in Ladakh. The ITBP aims to complete the mission by September to enable DNA identification and confirm the long-held belief that the remains belong to the fallen soldier.
