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Research Paper | Geography | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 225 - 228 | India
Hind Kush Himalaya Snowfall Variations and Their Implications for Water Availability in India
Abstract: The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region serves as Asia?s water tower, with seasonal snowmelt contributing approximately 23-25% of runoff to major Indian river basins like the Ganga and Indus. This paper analyzes 2003-2025 snowfall and snow persistence trends, revealing a record 23.6% below-normal snow persistence in 2025-the lowest in 23 years-driven by climate warming and weakened western disturbances. Using ICIMOD data, MODIS satellite imagery, ERA5 reanalysis, and advanced statistical modeling, it quantifies impacts on India?s water security, including reduced early-summer flows affecting agriculture, hydropower, and 43% of the population in the Ganga basin. Correlation analysis (r = -0.72 for snow persistence vs. basin runoff) underscores risks to food, energy, and water security, recommending adaptive strategies and basin-level actions for resilience.
Keywords: Himalayan snowfall, snow persistence, water security, river basin runoff, climate warming
How to Cite?: Dr. Abdullah Khan, "Hind Kush Himalaya Snowfall Variations and Their Implications for Water Availability in India", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 225-228, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26522093338, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26522093338