Snowfall trend changed in Himalayas: snowfall in summer not in winter, more snowfall than normal in April, yet snow cover area decreased by 10%

This time the trend of snowfall has changed in the Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh. Nominal snow fell on the mountains in the peak winter season. Due to this, there was a huge decline in the snow cover area between December and February. In the entire winter season, between October and April, the snow-cover area has decreased by 10 percent. During this period, a shortfall of 0.39 per cent was recorded in Chenab basin, 6.9 per cent in Beas, 22.42 per cent in Ravi and 14.61 per cent in Sutlej basin.

Due to this year’s snowfall in the warm month of April, the snow cover area has increased to 85% in Chenab basin compared to 2021-22, while 51% in Beas basin, 31% in Ravi and 43% in Sutlej . Shrinking glaciers were also recharged due to summer snowfall.

This has been revealed in the latest survey conducted by the State Center on Climate Changes of ISRO and Himachal Department of Environmental Science and Technology (HIMCOSTE) on the four river basins Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas. The decrease in snow cover area is a good sign for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan including Himachal. It is a matter of relief that good snowfall in summer has revived the snow cover area and glacier.

According to the report, the Charo river basin received more snow than normal in April. In April 2023, Chenab basin recorded 22 per cent more snowfall, Beas basin 39 per cent, Ravi 54 per cent and Sutlej basin 29 per cent more.

More snow fell on Chenab and Beas basin in November

Similarly, in November there was an increase of 5 per cent in the Chenab basin and 21 per cent in the Beas basin, while a decrease of 3 and 22 per cent was recorded in the Ravi and Sutlej basins. In the month of December, maximum decrease of 56 per cent was recorded in Sutlej basin and 10 per cent in Chenab basin.

Early snow fall positive trend

Chenab and Beas basins received good snowfall in the pre-winter season from October to November, while a negative trend was observed in Ravi and Sutlej basins. This has reduced the snow cover area. In October 2022-23, 36% less snow fell on Chenab basin, 54% less on Ravi basin, 27% less snow on Sutlej, while snow cover area increased by 3% in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22 on Beas basin.

16 percent less snowfall in beas basin in january

In January there was a decrease of 5 per cent in the Chenab basin, 16 per cent in the Beas, 3 per cent in the Ravi and 38 per cent in the Sutlej. Similarly, in February also, the snow cover area decreased by 4 percent on Chenab basin, 32 percent on Beas, 12 percent on Ravi and 17 percent on Sutlej basin. In the month of March also there was a decrease of 2 percent in Chenab, 5 percent in Beas, 7 percent in Ravi and 4 percent in Sutlej basin. The Ravi and Sutlej basins were severely affected between December and February.

Advice to move towards e-vehicle and renewable energy

It was told in the report that in the last few years, the snow cover area has decreased due to the rise in temperature in the Himalayas. Glaciers are also melting rapidly due to this. This is the first time in Shimla that it did not snow here. Therefore, in the report, it has been advised to go towards e-vehicle and renewable energy.