Snow Loss Threatens Major Rivers in South Asia
Record-low snow persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalayas threatens early summer water flows in the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra basins, endangering water security for millions.
Snow Loss Threatens Major Rivers in South Asia
Water Security at Risk as Himalayan Snow Reaches 20-Year Low
In a stark warning to South Asia, new research reveals that snow in the Hindu Kush Himalayas is vanishing faster than ever—posing a growing threat to the lifeblood rivers of the region. The latest snow persistence report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, paints a troubling picture: key river basins—the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra—are likely to see reduced water flows in the coming months due to record-low snow retention.
A Two-Decade Low in Snow Persistence
ICIMOD’s detailed analysis mapped snow levels across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region and found that snow persistence—how long snow remains after snowfall—has plunged to just 23.6%, the lowest in 23 years. The snow season from November to March showed a concerning pattern: recurring deficits, significant year-to-year swings, and a downward trend over the past five years.
The Ganga basin, which provides critical water for agriculture and urban life across northern India, experienced a 24.1% drop in snow persistence—the steepest decline since records began in 2003. The Indus basin, vital to both Pakistan and northwest India, showed a similar 24.5% decline. Even the Brahmaputra, one of Asia’s mightiest rivers, wasn’t spared.
“These findings highlight a deeply worrying trend,” said Sher Muhammad, ICIMOD’s lead remote sensing specialist. “Three consecutive years of below-average snowfall suggest we’re entering a new normal. And this new normal has serious consequences for nearly two billion people depending on these rivers.”
Why Snow Persistence Matters for Water Supply
Snowmelt is more than just a springtime phenomenon—it’s the invisible force that powers agriculture, hydropower, and ecosystems. About 25% of total river runoff in the HKH region is fed by snowmelt, with its importance rising westward from the Brahmaputra to the Indus.
The early melt season, typically spanning from late March through May, depends heavily on accumulated snow. If snow cover dwindles or melts too early, it disrupts not only farming cycles but also electricity generation from dams and the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems.
“When snow doesn’t persist, water doesn’t arrive when it’s most needed,” explained Dr. Meera Verma, a hydrologist with the South Asia Water Initiative. “It’s like losing your water savings account right before the summer heatwave hits.”
Climate Change’s Signature in the Himalayas
The shrinking snow cover is being widely interpreted as another signal of rapid climate change in one of the planet’s most vulnerable regions. Rising temperatures in the Himalayas are accelerating both glacier melt and snow loss, creating a volatile water future.
In 2015, snow levels peaked at 30.2% above normal, offering a brief respite. But since then, the trend has reversed. By 2025, snow levels have nosedived—suggesting that fluctuations have given way to a more consistent pattern of decline. According to scientists, this persistent shortfall could be linked to changing weather systems, shifting monsoon patterns, and reduced winter precipitation.
A Call for Basin-Specific Action
ICIMOD’s report urges regional governments to tailor their responses based on individual river basin characteristics. While the Ganga may rely more on rainfall during the monsoon, the Indus is significantly more dependent on seasonal snow and glacier melt.
“Policymakers need to understand that a one-size-fits-all water strategy won’t work,” said Muhammad. “Each river basin has unique challenges—and without localized planning, millions will face unpredictable water shortages.”
The broader concern is that decreased snow could lead to greater reliance on groundwater, an already-stressed resource across South Asia. Groundwater over-extraction has long been a silent crisis in the region, and diminished surface water from snowmelt could make it worse.
Preparing for an Uncertain Water Future
Experts are calling for enhanced monitoring of snow and ice, climate-resilient infrastructure, and better water-sharing agreements between countries. Investment in real-time data and predictive tools can also help communities prepare for shifting river flows and extreme events like floods or droughts.
Ultimately, this is a shared crisis requiring cross-border collaboration. The rivers that rise in the HKH don’t stop at borders—they connect ecosystems, cultures, and economies. A collective response, grounded in science and equity, may be the only path forward.
Conclusion
As snow vanishes from the roof of the world, the rivers below begin to change course—not just in direction, but in character. The latest ICIMOD report is more than a set of worrying numbers; it’s a call to action for the nearly two billion people whose lives are intertwined with the Himalayan waters. Facing the future means understanding that what melts in the mountains today shapes the fate of cities, crops, and communities tomorrow.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and expert commentary. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, data and projections are subject to change as new information becomes available. Readers are advised to consult official sources for detailed guidance.
source : The Indian Express