Recently  ICIMOD report reveals declines in snow persistence across the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH).

• The Report monitors snow persistence across 12 major river basins in the HKH region using 23 years (2003–2025) of satellite data.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Sharp Decline in Snow Persistence: Snow persistence across the HKH region is 23.6% below normal, the lowest in 23 years, indicating reduced snow retention after snowfall.
• Impact on Major River Basins:
  • Ganga Basin: Snow persistence 24.1% below normal, the lowest in 23 years.
  • Indus Basin: Declined 24.5% below normal, from a high of 19.5% above normal in 2020.
  • Brahmaputra Basin: Also significantly affected
  • Mekong & Salween Basins: Declines of 51.9% and 48.3% respectively.
• Consequences:
  • Threatens early summer river flows vital for agriculture, hydropower, and ecosystems.
  • Increases drought risk and dependency on groundwater.
  • Indicates a trend of three consecutive years of below-normal snow seasons.
• Climate Change Link: ICIMOD attributes these anomalies to carbon emissions, calling the trend irreversible without strong policy shifts.
• Recommendations:
  • Science-based, forward-looking policies.
  • Transboundary water governance and regional cooperation.
  • Emissions mitigation for long-term food, water, and energy security.

About the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region

• Hindu Kush Himalaya Region stretches 3,500 kilometers and spans eight countries- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. 
  • 85% of mountain communities remain dependent on this biodiversity for food, water, flood control and cultural identity.
• A Biodiverse Region: It is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Four of the world’s 36 global biodiversity hotspots are in this region. Two of the global 200 ecoregions, 575 Protected Areas, 335 important bird areas.
• Third Pole: It is known as the Third Pole, as it contains the largest volume of ice on earth outside of the Arctic and Antarctica.
• Water Tower of Asia: Hindu Kush Himalaya Region is the source of 12 Asian river systems and is called the ‘Water tower of Asia’. It provides essential ecosystem services such as clean water for a third of the world’s population.

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