The ICIMOD 2025 report released on April 21, 2025, reveals a 23.6% decline in snow persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, the lowest in 23 years, posing serious threats to water security across South Asia.
This reduced snow cover impacts major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, and threatens the water supply, agriculture, and hydropower generation for over 2 billion people.
The report highlights the risks of droughts, groundwater over-extraction, and the need for better cross-border river management to mitigate the effects of accelerated glacier melting.
Key Details
- Report Released By: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
- Date of Release: April 21, 2025
- Key Finding: Snow persistence was 23.6% below the 20-year average, the lowest in 23 years.
- Definition: Snow persistence refers to how long snow stays on the ground, a major indicator for water availability.
- Major Rivers Impacted: Ganga (-24.1%), Brahmaputra (-27.9%), Indus (-16.0%).
- Worst Affected Basins: Mekong (-51.9%), Salween (-48.3%).
- Snowmelt Importance: Contributes 23% of annual river flows.
- Population at Risk: Over 2 billion people across South Asia.
