Himalayan Snow Cover Hits 20-Year Low, Threatening Water Supplies for Millions
Himalayan snow cover drops sharply, hits 20-year low; plains may feel the impact
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Snow cover across the Hindu Kush Himalaya has decreased significantly, reaching its lowest level in over 20 years, with a 27.8% drop in snow persistence. This trend threatens water availability for nearly two billion people reliant on rivers fed by these mountains, particularly affecting agriculture and daily water use.
- 01Snow persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalaya is 27.8% below normal, marking a 20-year low.
- 02This is the fourth consecutive year of below-normal snow levels in the region.
- 03Ten out of twelve key river basins have experienced reduced snow persistence.
- 04The Mekong basin saw a nearly 60% drop in snow cover, while the Tibetan Plateau dropped over 47%.
- 05Governments are urged to enhance water management and cooperation to mitigate the impact on water supplies.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has reported a significant decline in snow cover across the Hindu Kush Himalaya, with current snow persistence at 27.8% below normal. This marks the fourth consecutive year of below-average snow levels, indicating a troubling trend for the region's water resources. Major rivers such as the Indus, Amu Darya, and Helmand are particularly affected, as they rely on melting snow for water supply. The Mekong basin has experienced a dramatic 60% decrease in snow cover, while the Tibetan Plateau has seen a 47% drop. These changes threaten water availability for nearly two billion people who depend on these rivers for agriculture, hydropower, and daily consumption. While some areas like the Irrawaddy and Ganga basins have recorded increases in snow persistence, the overall pattern suggests increasing unpredictability in snow behavior. ICIMOD warns that this decline is linked to climate change and rising temperatures, urging governments to implement better water management and forecasting strategies to address the growing water stress.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The decline in snow cover will lead to reduced river flows, impacting water availability for agriculture and daily use in regions dependent on these water sources.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How concerned are you about the impact of climate change on water supplies?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.

