Mountaineous Himalayas Facing Crisis: Absence of Snow Imperils Drinking Water Security for Millions.
Low snow accumulation in the Himalayas, as per scientists, poses a significant threat to the water supply of millions. Researcher Sher Muhammad from the Nepal-based center Icimod revealed that this year's snow-lying period is a staggering 18.5% shorter than typical, increasing the chances of water scarcity in the mountainous region and the lowland areas at the Himalayas' base.
Approximately 240 million people inhabiting the Himalayan region, along with an additional 1.65 billion people living near rivers originating in the Himalayas, depend on the water produced by snow and ice melt. With reduced snowfall and abbreviated snow-lying periods, these people now face a heightened risk of water scarcity.
According to Icimod's research and projections, both the timing and intensity of water flow are altering. Icimod, involved in the research alongside Nepal, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, warned of these changes.
For over two decades, scientists have monitored snowfall in the area. This year, they recorded a "notable deviation." In the Ganges Basin, for example, the snow-lying period is reportedly 17% shorter than standard, while in the Helmand Basin, it is a worrying 32% below average. The researchers from Icimod urged the regional authorities to initiate preventive measures to prepare for potential drought conditions.
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The anomaly in the Himalaya's drinking water supply, due to the lack of snow, is of significant concern for the millions of people living in both the mountainous region and the lowland areas. This lack of snow and shorter snow-lying periods, as observed in the Ganges and Helmand Basins, is a worrying trend that has been monitored for over two decades by researchers. Icimod, in their recent findings, has urged regional authorities to take preventive measures in anticipation of potential drought conditions.
