According to a report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in 2024, the snow persistence in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus basins within the Hindu Kush Himalayas has hit a historical low. This indicates a significant increase in snow melting in the region, surpassing scientists' projections and posing substantial challenges for one of the world's most densely populated areas.
MORE ON NEWS - FINDINGS OF THE REPORT
2024 HKH snow update analysed data from 2003 to 2024. It found significant fluctuations in snow persistence between November and April every year, when snow accumulates above ground.
Snow persistence in the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, and the Indus river basins has dropped significantly in 2024. The Ganga river basin noted its lowest snow persistence in 22 years, 17% below the long-term historical average. Snow persistence in the Brahmaputra basin was 14.6% below normal in 2024.
Outside India, the basin of the Amu Darya river– which flows through Central Asia-recorded its lowest snow persistence in 2024, which is 28.2% below normal. The Helmand river, an important source of drinking water for Iran and Afghanistan, was almost 32% below normal in 2024.
ABOUT HINDU KUSH HIMALAYAS
The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km over eight countries– Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan
These mountains are also called the ‘water towers of Asia’ because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems on the continent — Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.
In the river basins of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), snowmelt is the biggest source of water in the streams. Overall, it contributes 23% of the runoff to the region’s 12 major river basins every year.
Snow persisting on the ground is important for the Ganga river basin because its melt contributes to 10.3% of Ganga’s water as compared to only 3.1% from glacier melts. In the Brahmaputra and the Indus basins, snowmelt brings 13.2% and around 40% of the water, respectively, versus 1.8% and 5% from glaciers.
CAUSES OF SNOW MELTING IN THE HINDU KUSH HIMALAYAN REGIONS
Impact of Global Warming: Global warming has exacerbated and prolonged La Niña and El Niño conditions, decreasing the snow persistence capacity in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
Diminished Western Disturbances: Western disturbances, low-pressure systems originating over the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas, usually bring rain and snow to the HKH region during winter. Persistently high sea-surface temperatures in these areas have weakened and delayed these storms, resulting in reduced winter precipitation and snowfall in the HKH region.
Invasive Species Proliferation: The spread of invasive species in the Himalayan ecosystem has disrupted its delicate balance and threatened native species. For example, clusters of purple flowers (Cirsium arvense) and mats of white clover (Trifolium repens) are invasive species threatening the Himalayas.
Environmental Degradation: Activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable land use practices, and infrastructure development are causing environmental degradation, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution.
Pollution: Rising pollution leads to the accumulation of black carbon which reduces albedo and accelerates the melting of snow.
IMPACTS OF SNOW MELTING IN THE HINDU KUSH HIMALAYAN REGIONS
Climate Regulation: The Himalayas are essential for sustaining the Indian monsoon and blocking cold continental air masses from Central Asia. Increased snow melting could disrupt these climatic patterns, affecting the ambient temperatures necessary for the flourishing of civilization in the Indian subcontinent.
Water Supply Security: The melting of the Himalayan snow-fields and glaciers, which are the source for major Indian rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, jeopardizes the water supply for nearly one-fourth of the global population and 240 million people in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
Energy Production Security: Diminished snow and glacier melt can severely impact energy production, as 33% of India's thermal electricity and 52% of its hydro power depend on river waters originating from the Hindu Kush Himalayan regions.
Forest Resource Wealth: The changes in snow melt affect the Himalayan forests, which supply fuelwood and raw materials for various industries, including medicinal plant-based pharmaceuticals.
Cultural and Spiritual Importance: The Hindu Kush Himalayas hold significant cultural and spiritual value for numerous cultures and religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Ecological changes due to snow melting can impact these traditions and practices.
Biodiversity Conservation: The Himalayan region is a global biodiversity hotspot, vital for maintaining ecological balance. Increased snow melting threatens this biodiversity, affecting the unique flora and fauna in areas like the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
GOVT. INITIATIVES TAKEN UP
WAY FORWARD
Reducing Emissions: Reducing emissions is crucial to mitigating rising sea-surface and ground temperatures, which decrease snow persistence. Building political will among government representatives and business leaders, especially in G-20 countries that account for 81% of all emissions, is essential to transition away from fossil fuels.
Reforestation Initiatives: Reforesting with native tree species and removing invasive species can enhance ground snow retention.
Preparation for Water Scarcity: Implementing better weather forecasting and early warning systems can help local communities prepare for potential water scarcity.
Collaboration and Community Engagement: Involving communities in decision-making processes at local and national levels and promoting regional cooperation are essential for sustainable solutions to preserve snow in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
PRACTICE QUESTION
Q: Discuss the causes and impacts of snow melting in the Hindu Kush Himalayan regions. Suggest measures that can be taken to mitigate these impacts. (10M,150W)
