Record Low Snowfall in Hindu Kush Himalaya Threatens Water Supply

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, a vital cryosphere area that supports the freshwater needs of nearly 1.65 billion people, is witnessing a concerning decrease in snow persistence this year. This alarming trend has prompted calls from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) for urgent drought management strategies and emergency water supply measures. The decline in snow levels, crucial for the water flow in 12 major river basins, poses a significant threat to water security for millions of downstream communities.

According to the Snow Update Report - 2024, released on Monday, the region has seen snow levels fall almost a fifth below the average, with the most significant reductions observed in the western parts where water supply reliance on snow is highest. Notably, the Ganga basin experienced a 17 per cent drop below normal levels, while the Brahmaputra basin's snow persistence was 14.6 per cent below normal. The Helmand river basin recorded a 31.8 per cent decrease, marking its most substantial decline since a 42 per cent reduction in 2018. The Indus basin's snow levels have also plummeted to 23.3 per cent below normal, the lowest in 22 years.

Urgent Call for Action

ICIMOD's cryosphere specialist Sher Muhammad highlighted that this year's data continues a concerning trend observed over the past two decades, with 13 of the last 22 years showing lower-than-normal snow persistence across the HKH region. "This is a wake-up call for researchers, policymakers, and downstream communities," Muhammad stated, emphasizing the increased risk of water shortages due to fluctuating snow levels.

Miriam Jackson, ICIMOD's senior cryosphere specialist, stressed the importance of proactive measures to combat potential drought situations and early summer water stress. She called for updated plans to manage water scarcity and urged for community awareness regarding the risks posed by changing snow patterns. Jackson also highlighted the need for G20 countries to accelerate emission reductions to mitigate further adverse impacts on regions dependent on mountain snowmelt.

Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation

The report suggests that promoting rainwater harvesting and establishing local water committees could serve as immediate steps to alleviate some impacts of reduced snowfall on water availability in the HKH region. For long-term resilience against climate change effects, it is crucial for countries sharing trans-boundary rivers to collaborate on updating their water management laws. Such collaborative efforts are essential for addressing the looming threat of water shortages in South Asia, which heavily relies on snowmelt from the HKH region.

The findings from ICIMOD underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to manage water resources more effectively and adapt to changing climatic conditions that threaten water security for millions of people living in and around the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.