The Himalayas are experiencing a winter with hardly any snow that threatens the water of millions of people

In the Indian Himalayas, this trend is already visible in the Kashmir Valley, where winter rainfall has fallen almost 40% below normal, according to official data, in one of the driest seasons in recent years.

Snow loss in this part of the “roof of the world” It’s not just a meteorological anomaly: scientists warn that the more rapid warming of high mountain areas is reducing snow accumulation and shortening the time it remains on the ground.weakening the natural system that feeds rivers, aquifers and glaciers throughout the region.

“The repetition of winters with snow deficit points to changes in the climatic patterns of the Himalayas,” environmental expert Zakir Zahoor explained to EFE. “Less snow causes drying up of springs, falling groundwater levels and greater vulnerability to extreme weather events.”

The mountain range, often called the “third pole” for its enormous ice reserves, It extends through India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and China and feeds large rivers that cross several borders in Asia.

As the coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, Himanshu Thakkar, explained to EFE, the impact of snow loss will be greater in the Indus basin, where the contribution of snowmelt is higher than in other large river systems in the region.

The paucity of studies and lack of cooperation in some transboundary basins, especially in sensitive areas such as the China-India border, remain an obstacle to evaluating these changes, the expert added.

Jammu and Kashmir Meteorological Department (MeT) Director Mukhtar Ahmad stressed that the Indian Valley has recorded almost 40% less rainfall due to weaker and less frequent western disturbances, the systems of Mediterranean origin that normally transport winter humidity to the Himalayas.

Kashmir’s economy and ecosystems, as in much of the Himalayas, They depend on the snow at this time of year, which when melting in spring and summer regulates the flow of rivers, recharges aquifers and supports agriculture and tourism.

“Snow acts as a natural water reserve,” an official from the supply department explained to EFE, warning of possible difficulties in the coming months. “Less snow now means lower flow in rivers and springs during the summer. Drinking water supplies and irrigation could come under pressure.”

Farmers say the impact is already being felt. “Snow protects the roots of fruit trees and maintains soil moisture. Without adequate snowfall, pests survive the winter and the damage will be seen when spring arrives,” Abdul Razaq, an apple producer in the Shopian district, explained to EFE.

The dry winter has also affected tourism, another vital sector of the region, which during these months attracts a large number of visitors and skiers.

“Our livelihoods depend on snow,” said Maqsood Ahmad, a hotelier, adding that “a dry winter means fewer tourists and losses for many families who depend on the season.”