Himalayan Snow Drought Raises Serious Water Security Concerns for Billions

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Himalayan Snow Drought Raises Serious Water Security Concerns for Billions

Himalayan Snow Drought Raises Serious Water Security Concerns for Billions

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-01-12 11:56:00

Kathmandu - The Himalayan mountain range, often referred to as the “Third Pole” for its vast reserves of snow and ice, is increasingly turning bare and rocky during winter months, signalling a deepening climate crisis in the region.
A recent investigation by the BBC has revealed a worrying trend of ‘snow drought’ across large parts of the Himalayas. Data analysed over recent years shows that most of the last five winters have recorded snowfall significantly below the long-term average, marking a consistent departure from historical patterns.
Experts warn that this decline in winter snowfall has far-reaching consequences for nearly two billion people living across river basins fed by Himalayan snow and glaciers, including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra systems.
Snowmelt plays a crucial role in sustaining river flows, particularly during the dry season. Reduced snowfall means less water available for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower generation, sectors that millions of households across South Asia depend upon for their livelihoods and energy needs.
Beyond water scarcity, the impacts extend to ecosystem and disaster risks. Drier conditions are increasing the vulnerability of forests to wildfires, while reduced snow cover and rapidly melting glaciers are contributing to mountain instability, raising the likelihood of landslides and related hazards in fragile Himalayan terrains.
Sravan Shrestha of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has noted that below-normal snow cover is no longer an occasional anomaly but a recurring trend, directly threatening regional water security. Scientists describe the situation as a case of “double trouble”, where declining snowfall is compounded by accelerated glacier melt driven by rising temperatures.
Climate researchers caution that while short-term increases in river flow may occur due to faster glacier melting, the long-term outlook is far more alarming, with the risk of severe water shortages in the future once snow and ice reserves are depleted.
The findings underscore the urgency of climate adaptation, regional cooperation, and stronger monitoring of the Himalayan cryosphere. As evidence of change becomes increasingly visible on the mountains themselves, experts stress that the impacts will be felt far beyond the highlands - affecting food security, energy systems, and lives across South Asia.

Published Date 2026-01-12 11:56:00