Daily News Analysis ‘Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus basins stare at low water flow due to reduced snow persistence: Report’ : 22 April

Key Findings of the Report:

• Snow is staying on the ground for less time, at a 20-year low of 23.6%.
• Rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra will have less water in early summer.
• This affects about 2 billion people who depend on these rivers.
• Ganga Basin snow was 24.1% below normal – the lowest in 23 years.
• Indus Basin snow was 24.5% below normal.
• Snowmelt is very important for:
  • Farming
  • Hydropower
  • Drinking water
• Snow has been below normal for 3 years in a row.
• Bigger declines are seen in:
  • Mekong: -51.9%
  • Salween: -48.3%
  • Tibetan Plateau: -29.1%
• Experts say:
  • This is an alarming trend.
  • Climate change and carbon emissions are making it worse.
• Urgent need for:
  • Better water policies
  • Regional cooperation
  • Climate action

Why in News?

• The Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra river basins face reduced water flow in early summer due to a sharp decline in snow persistence, warns a new Report by Kathmandu based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).