Millions of people across the Himalayan region are facing an imminent threat of water shortages this year due to alarmingly low snowfall levels, scientists cautioned in a recent report. The report, published by the Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), underscores the critical role of snowmelt from the Himalayas in sustaining water resources for approximately 240 million people residing in mountainous areas and another 1.65 billion people in downstream river valleys.

Snowmelt contributes about a quarter of the water flow to twelve major river basins originating from the Himalayas. However, this year has seen a significant decline in snow accumulation, with levels dropping nearly 18.5 percent below normal across the broader Hindu Kush and Himalaya region. According to the report, this marks the second-lowest snow persistence observed in the past 22 years, closely following the record low set in 2018.

The implications of reduced snow cover extend beyond immediate water scarcity concerns. Scientists attribute these fluctuations to the broader impacts of climate change, which are causing erratic rainfall patterns and shifting weather behaviors across the region. The report highlights “significant changes in the timing and intensity of stream flows,” noting that snow, which historically ensures seasonal water availability, is becoming increasingly unreliable.

Countries within the ICIMOD framework, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, are all feeling the effects of diminished snow cover. For instance, the Ganges river basin in India recorded its lowest snow persistence levels on record, down 17 percent from the average. Similarly, the Helmand river basin in Afghanistan experienced its second-lowest snow persistence levels, 32 percent below normal. The Indus river basin (down 23 percent) and the Brahmaputra river basin ending in Bangladesh (15 percent below normal) also reported concerning figures.

In response to these findings, a senior cryosphere specialist at ICIMOD, has urged regional authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate potential drought situations. Such measures may include enhanced water management strategies, investment in alternative water sources, and cross-border collaboration to optimize water usage efficiency.

The report serves as a stark “wake-up call” to researchers, policymakers, and communities reliant on Himalayan water resources. It emphasizes the urgency of adopting adaptive strategies to cope with increasingly unpredictable water availability, exacerbated by climate change impacts. As global temperatures continue to rise, the variability in snowfall and its critical role in sustaining freshwater reserves necessitates immediate attention and concerted action at both local and international levels.

Looking ahead, ongoing monitoring and research efforts by organizations like ICIMOD will remain crucial in understanding and responding to the evolving challenges posed by climate-induced water scarcity in the Himalayan region. By fostering scientific collaboration and informed policy-making, stakeholders can work towards safeguarding water security for millions who depend on the fragile balance of snowmelt-fed rivers emanating from the world’s highest mountains.