Current context: The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, recently released the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)Snow Update Report 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Decline in Snow Persistence: The Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra river basins have recorded significant declines in snow persistence, with reductions of -24.1%, -27.9%, and -27.9%, respectively.
• Impact on Water Supply: The decline in snowmelt threatens the water supply for nearly 300 million people, posing risks to agriculture, hydropower, and overall water availability during crucial summer months.
• Regional Sensitivity: The Tibetan Plateau’s snow persistence has drastically fallen from
• Urgent Recommendations: ICIMOD calls for enhanced water management, drought preparedness, and regional cooperation to manage transboundary water resources effectively.