Shimla: Himachal Pradesh, known for its majestic snow-clad peaks and gushing rivers, is experiencing a troubling trend of declining snow cover. Recent satellite data from the State Centre on Climate Change, under the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (HIMCOSTE), revealed a 12.72% decline in snow cover across the Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej river basins during the winter of 2023-24.
Snow cover in Himachal Pradesh is not just picturesque but vital for its water resources. These icy blankets feed the state’s major rivers, ensuring a steady flow supporting agriculture, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply. This decline, slightly less than the 14.05% drop recorded during the 2022-23 winter, remains a worrying indicator of shifting climate in the region.
The Chenab basin was hardest hit, with a 15.39% reduction in snow cover, followed by the Sutlej basin at 12.45%, the Beas basin at 7.65%, and the Ravi basin at 9.89%. Particularly alarming is January data, which showed drastic reductions: 67% in the Sutlej basin, 64% in the Ravi basin, 43% in the Beas basin, and 42% in the Chenab basin compared to the previous year. These figures suggest intensifying effects of climate change, bringing unpredictable and extreme weather variations.
According to DC Rana, Director of Environment, mapping snow cover from October to April is crucial for understanding its role in river basin hydrology. It helps highlight the contribution of seasonal snow to basin health. The data provide valuable insights into sustaining hydrology and addressing challenges posed by declining snow cover.
The geographical landscape of Himachal Pradesh, with a third of its area covered in winter snow, plays a critical role in sustaining water resources in the state. The Himalayan rivers in the region heavily rely on seasonal snow cover for flow and dependability. Monitoring winter precipitation trends across various basins is essential to assess impacts on water availability.
Winter precipitation mapping was conducted in various basins, including Chandra, Bhaga, Miyar, Beas, Parvati, Jiwa, Pin, Spiti, and Baspa, from October 2023 to April 2024. During the peak winter months from December to February, most river basins in Himachal Pradesh showed decreased snow cover, except the Sutlej basin, which saw a 2% increase. The data from winter 2023-24 highlight the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to address challenges posed by diminishing snow cover and its impact on river basin health.
