Global Warming Alarm Bells: Himalayan region receives 10% less snowfall in 2022-23
The Community News/Shimla
Alarm bells have started ringing for Himalayan region, falling under Himachal Pradesh as 10% less snowfall has been recorded in 2022-23 that will affect water flow in major river systems.
The findings have been reported in a study by the HP Council for Science Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE ).
“A total of 10% decline has been witnessed in the entire HP Himalaya covering all the four basins i.e. Chenab, Beas, Ravi and Satluj.
The findings are based on the monthly average of the area under snow cover in 2022-23 as compared to 2021-22,” HIMCOSTE director and member secretary D C Rana said.
Rana said in Chenab basin, 0.39% decline has been observed in 2022-23 in comparison to 2021-22 whereas in Beas, it was recorded at 6.9%, in Ravi 22.42% and in Satluj 14.61%.
The comparison has been recorded in terms of the total spatial distribution of the snow cover area.
The State Centre on Climate Change under the aegis of the HIMCOSTE is involved in undertaking various studies to understand the impact of climate change on its various facets, Rana said.
In high hill areas, the winter precipitation is received in the form of snow at the higher altitudes.
About 1/3rd of the total geographical area of the state remains under thick snow cover during the winter season.
Most of the major rivers like Chenab, Beas, Parvati, Baspa, Spiti, Ravi, Satluj and its perennial tributaries originating from the Himalayas depend on the seasonal snow cover for their discharge dependability.
Besides this, the snow cover also helps in controlling the accumulation and ablation patterns of the glaciated regions in the state.
The Centre mapped seasonal snow cover in terms of its spatial distribution from October to April.
It is an important input in order to understand its contribution in different catchments to sustain the hydrology of the river basins.
HP Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena said the decline in snowfall is attributed to temperature on the Higher Himalayan region which was comparatively higher than the low lying areas.
“This is affecting our Himalayan reserves which is evidenced by the fact that most of the glaciers are losing mass.
Besides this, a large shift has also been observed in the snowfall patterns during winters affecting the river discharges during the peak summer season,” he added.
Saxena said, “We have also seen the rising temperature effects during winters this time in Shimla as there was no snowfall in capital city which seems to be part of change in the weather patterns.
If this continues, we have to think upon as we may have shortage of water in coming years.
I think there is a need to take serious note of this. I am hopeful that concrete steps like introduction of e-vehicles, shifting to renewable energy etc will help in curtailing the trend.”
