Shrinking snow cover haunts Himachal

SHIMLA: In a joint survey conducted by the Himachal Pradesh State Centre on Climate Change (HIMCOSTE), the Geo-Sciences, Hydrology, Cryosphere Sciences and Applications Group (GHCAG), and the Space Applications Centre (SAC-ISRO), it has been revealed that the snow cover in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is rapidly diminishing. The study, titled ‘Seasonal Snow Cover Variations in Himachal during 2022-23 and its comparative analysis with reference to 2021-22’, highlights the alarming decrease in snowfall and the immediate threats it poses to hydropower, water sources, communities, livestock, forests, farms, and infrastructure in the mountainous environment.

The report indicates that during the winter of 2022-23 (October to April), HP witnessed an overall reduction of approximately 14.05% in the total snow-covered area compared to the previous year. The major rivers in the state, including Chenab, Beas, Parvati, Baspa, Spiti, Ravi, and Satluj, rely on seasonal snow cover for their water discharge. The decrease in snow accumulation and glacial retreat could lead to severe water shortages in the future.

The study also reveals that while some basins experienced early snowfall in October and November, all four major basins – Chenab,   Beas, Ravi, and Satluj – showed negative trends during the peak winter months of December to February. Although late snowfall in April increased the snow cover temporarily, rising temperatures in April and onwards contribute to accelerated melting, further impacting river discharge dependability.

Moreover, the analysis of temperature trends from 2018 to 2023 indicated an increasing trend in mean maximum and minimum average temperatures across all river basins.

The impact of dwindling snow cover also affects the state’s agriculture and tourism sectors. S.P. Bhardwaj, a horticulture scientist, expressed concern over the apple crop’s future due to reduced snow cover and subsequent temperature rise, which disrupts the crop cycle and increases the incidence of pests and weeds. The tourism industry is also worried about the declining snowfall, as Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, received minimal snow this year, adversely affecting tourism.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, emphasized the need to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through measures like promoting e-vehicles and renewable energy.