The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has recorded its lowest snow persistence in 23 years, with levels 23.6% below normal in 2025, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in its 2025 HKH Snow Update report.

This marks the third consecutive year of below-normal seasonal snow, raising alarms for water security across a region that supports nearly two billion people in India, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia.

Snow persistence, the snow that remains on the ground from November to March, is a vital water source for major river basins, contributing about 23% to annual water flow. This year’s deficit, driven by faster melting and reduced snowfall, threatens agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supplies, particularly during the dry season.

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The Ganges basin saw a 24.1% drop in snow persistence, its lowest in over two decades, while the Brahmaputra basin recorded a 27.9% decline. The Indus basin, critical for India and Pakistan, reported a 16% deficit, and the Mekong and Salween basins faced severe declines of 51.9% and 48.3%, respectively.

ICIMOD’s Director General, Pema Gyamtsho, warned that carbon emissions have locked in recurring snow anomalies, urging science-based policies and regional cooperation for water management and emissions reduction. Sher Muhammad, ICIMOD’s remote sensing specialist, called the trend “alarming,” emphasizing the need for tailored responses based on specific river basin conditions.

Experts recommend urgent action, including water conservation, improved drought preparedness, and data-driven resource management, to mitigate the growing risk of water shortages and over-reliance on groundwater.

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