Snowfall Shortfall in Hindu Kush Himalaya Sparks Water Security Concern

GG News Bureau
Kathmandu, 17th June. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region is facing alarmingly low snow persistence this year, heightening worries over water security for downstream communities, according to a newly released report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

The HKH, renowned for its critical cryosphere resources — encompassing snow, permafrost, glaciers, lakes, and rivers — serves as a vital freshwater source for approximately 240 million people within the region and sustains another 1.65 billion downstream. Snowmelt alone contributes around 23 percent to the total water flow of 12 major river basins originating in the HKH, though this varies significantly across different rivers. Notably, it constitutes 74 percent of the Amu Darya’s flow, 77 percent of the Helmand’s, and 40 percent of the Indus’.

This year, monitoring data reveals that snow levels are nearly 20 percent below normal across the HKH, with the sharpest declines observed in the western parts, which are crucial for water supply.

The ICIMOD’s Snow Update Report – 2024, disclosed on Monday, underscores a significant 17 percent drop in snow persistence below normal in the Ganga basin and a 14.6 percent shortfall in the Brahmaputra basin. The Helmand basin has experienced the most severe decline, with snow persistence plummeting by 31.8 percent compared to normal levels, the lowest since 2018. Similarly, the Indus basin recorded a 23.3 percent shortfall, marking its lowest level in 22 years, surpassing the previous record set in 2018.

Sher Muhammad, ICIMOD cryosphere specialist and report author, cautioned, “We are witnessing a consistent trend of decreasing snow accumulation and persistence across the Hindu Kush Himalaya, with 13 of the past 22 years reporting below-normal snow levels.”

“This situation demands urgent attention from researchers, policymakers, and communities downstream,” he added, emphasizing the heightened risk of water scarcity this year.

Miriam Jackson, senior cryosphere specialist at ICIMOD, stressed the need for proactive measures to manage potential drought scenarios, particularly during early summer. “Adaptation plans must be revised to address water stress, and communities must be informed about the associated risks,” she urged.

Jackson further underscored the imperative for accelerated global action on climate change, highlighting the role of G20 nations in swiftly reducing emissions to mitigate further disruptions to snow patterns critical for water supply in mountainous regions.

The experts recommended immediate actions such as promoting rainwater harvesting and establishing local water committees to mitigate the immediate impacts of reduced snowfall. Moreover, they called for enhanced regional cooperation among countries sharing trans-boundary rivers to update water management frameworks, crucial for safeguarding water resources in South Asia reliant on snowmelt.