Himalayan glacier melt threatens South Asian water security

Rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers poses significant environmental and humanitarian risks to South Asia. According to United Nations data, Nepal has lost approximately one-third of its ice cover over the last three decades, with melting rates in the most recent decade increasing by 65% compared to the previous one.

The warming of the Himalayas, which is occurring at nearly twice the global average rate, threatens to destabilize mountain slopes. The degradation of permafrost increases the risk of landslides and rockfalls. Additionally, the expansion of glacial lakes raises the danger of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), which can send massive amounts of water and debris downstream, damaging infrastructure and settlements.

Projections indicate severe long-term consequences for water security. By 2050, glacier area in the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins is estimated to decrease by 35% to 45%, while the Indus Basin may see a reduction of 20% to 28%. While initial melting may increase flood risks in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, the long-term depletion of these ‘water towers’ threatens the water supply for millions of people dependent on these river systems.