28-June-2024-Special-Article

HINDU KUSH HIMALAYA 

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has reported record low levels of snow persistence in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus basins. 

About ICIMOD 

• Establishment: Founded in 1983. 

• Purpose: Works towards a greener, inclusive, and climate-resilient Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). 

Findings of the Report 

Global Findings 

• Amu Darya River Basin: In Afghanistan, experienced its lowest level of snow persistence. 

• Helmand River: Vital for Iran and Afghanistan’s water supply, saw snow persistence 32% below normal. 

• Yellow River Basin (China): Exceeded normal levels by 20.2% due to the interaction of cold air from the East Asian winter monsoon and moist air from the Pacific Ocean. 

India’s Context 

• Data Analysis: From 2003 to 2024. 

• Ganga River Basin: Recorded its lowest snow persistence in 22 years. 

• Brahmaputra Basin: Snow persistence decreased by 14.6% compared to normal levels. 

Reason Behind Low Snow Persistence 

Weakened Western Disturbances and Global Warming 

• Impact: Warmer seas in the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas have weakened western disturbances, reducing winter precipitation and snowfall in the HKH region. 

• Global Warming: Intensifies La Niña and El Niño events, further decreasing snow persistence. 

• Temperature Increase: The HKH region may experience higher temperature increases than the global average, making the 1.5°C global temperature limit under the Paris Agreement insufficient. 

Environmental Degradation 

• Drivers: Deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable land practices, and infrastructure development. 

• Consequences: Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution. 

Proliferation of Invasive Species 

• Invasive Species: Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and white clover (Trifolium repens) threaten native Himalayan species, disrupting the region’s ecosystem. 

Key Recommendations 

Long-term Strategies 

• Reforestation: Using native species to improve snow retention. 

• Weather Forecasting: Enhanced forecasting and early warning systems. 

• Water Infrastructure: Improved infrastructure and protective policies for snow-receiving areas. 

• Community Involvement: Involving local communities in decision-making and promoting regional cooperation. 

Climate Change Mitigation 

• Emission Reduction: Focus on reducing emissions, especially in G-20 countries, which are responsible for 81% of global emissions. 

• Clean Energy: Transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources. 

About Snow Persistence 

Definition 

• Snow Persistence: The duration that snow remains on the ground, contributing water to people and ecosystems when it melts. 

Significance 

• Water Source: Snowmelt in the HKH river basins is the primary source of water for streams, accounting for 23% of the yearly runoff. 

• Population Impact: These river basins provide water to almost one-fourth of the world’s population and are a significant freshwater source for 240 million people in the HKH region. 

• Specific Contributions: 

• Ganga River Basin: Snowmelt contributes 10.3% of the Ganga’s water; glacier melt contributes 3.1%. 

• Brahmaputra Basin: Snowmelt provides 13.2% of water supply; glacier melt provides 1.8%. 

• Indus Basin: Snowmelt accounts for approximately 40% of water supply; glacier melt accounts for 5%. 

The Hindu Kush Himalaya Region 

Geographical Span 

• Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 

Third Pole 

• Significance: Referred to as the Third Pole due to its vast ice and snow reserves. 

• Climatic Importance: Hosts the largest concentration of ice and snow outside the Arctic and Antarctica. 

• Water Source: Ice and snow from the HKH region feed major rivers flowing through 16 countries across Asia. 

Key River Systems and Their Destinations 

South Asia: 

• Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra → Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal 

Central Asia: 

• Syr Darya, Amu Darya → Former Aral Sea basin 

East Asia: 

• Tarim → Taklamakan Desert 

• Yellow River → Gulf of Bohai 

• Yangtze → East China Sea 

Southeast Asia: 

• Mekong → South China Sea 

• Chindwin, Salween, Irrawaddy → Andaman Sea 

Mains Question: 

1. Discuss the environmental and socio-economic impacts of declining snow persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region and suggest measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation in this context. (150 WORDS)