Hindu Kush Himalaya Faces Alarming Snow Decline: Threat to Water Security

The Hindu Kush Himalaya region is witnessing a significant drop in snow persistence, raising severe concerns over water security for downstream communities. ICIMOD experts call for immediate drought management strategies, improved water laws, and stronger international cooperation to address dwindling snow levels and ensure long-term climate resilience.

The Hindu Kush Himalaya is experiencing significantly lower snow persistence this year, raising serious concern over water security for downstream communities, according to a new report.

Leading experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), a Nepal-based intergovernmental organisation, have urged water management officials to initiate drought management strategies and preemptive emergency water supply measures.

Snow levels are almost a fifth below normal across the region this year, with drastic declines in the west. Snow persistence has dropped significantly in critical river basins like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, posing a severe threat to water supply for millions.

'We have seen a pattern of decreasing amounts and persistence of snow across the Hindu Kush Himalaya, with 13 of the past 22 years registering lower-than-normal seasonal snow persistence,' said ICIMOD specialist Sher Muhammad.

Experts emphasize the urgency of updating drought management plans and increasing rainwater harvesting. Proactive measures and international cooperation are essential to ensure the region's water security and resilience to climate change.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)