Shimla, Seasonal snow cover in Chenab, Beas, Ravi and Sutlej river basins in Himachal Pradesh decreased by 12.72 per cent in 2023-24 compared to 14.25 per cent in 2022-23, according to a statement issued here on Friday.
During the early months of winter 2023-24 (October to November), Chenab, Beas and Sutlej basins showed negative trends in snow cover, while Ravi basin showed a marginal increase, reflecting a trend positive, according to the statement that cites a study.
However, results from the peak winter months indicated significant declines in all basins: 67 percent in Sutlej, 44 percent in Ravi, 43 percent in Beas and 42 percent in Chenab in January 2024, according to the study. carried out by the State Center on Climate Change, under the auspices of the HP Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE).
A positive trend was observed in all basins in February, with an increase in snow cover that will last until March 2024.
According to the analysis, the decline was observed to be 15.39 percent in Chenab basin, 7.65 percent in Beas, 9.89 percent in Ravi and 12.45 percent in Sutlej in 2023. -24, leading to an overall decline of 12.72 percent. cent, said Director and Member Secretary (HIMCOSTE) DC Rana.
"We have information on the total snowfall during the winter season from the various observatories operating across the state, but its spatial extent, which reflects how much area is covered in snow, cannot be determined. But it is now possible to map the geographical extent of snow. area covered under snow during the winter season from October to April using satellite data of different resolutions," Rana said.
According to various studies, the temperature in the High Himalayan region is comparatively higher than that in the low-lying areas, affecting the Himalayan reserves, as evidenced by the fact that most of the glaciers are losing mass, the secretary said. Chief Prabodh Saxena.
A significant change in snowfall patterns has also been observed during winters, affecting river discharge during the peak summer season, Saxena said.
Shimla has experienced almost negligible snow spells during the last two winters, indicating major changes in weather patterns and if this continues, water scarcity is possible in the coming years, he added.
During the early months of winter 2023-24 (October to November), Chenab, Beas and Sutlej basins showed negative trends in snow cover, while Ravi basin showed a marginal increase, reflecting a trend positive, according to the statement that cites a study.
However, results from the peak winter months indicated significant declines in all basins: 67 percent in Sutlej, 44 percent in Ravi, 43 percent in Beas and 42 percent in Chenab in January 2024, according to the study. carried out by the State Center on Climate Change, under the auspices of the HP Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE).
A positive trend was observed in all basins in February, with an increase in snow cover that will last until March 2024.
According to the analysis, the decline was observed to be 15.39 percent in Chenab basin, 7.65 percent in Beas, 9.89 percent in Ravi and 12.45 percent in Sutlej in 2023. -24, leading to an overall decline of 12.72 percent. cent, said Director and Member Secretary (HIMCOSTE) DC Rana.
"We have information on the total snowfall during the winter season from the various observatories operating across the state, but its spatial extent, which reflects how much area is covered in snow, cannot be determined. But it is now possible to map the geographical extent of snow. area covered under snow during the winter season from October to April using satellite data of different resolutions," Rana said.
According to various studies, the temperature in the High Himalayan region is comparatively higher than that in the low-lying areas, affecting the Himalayan reserves, as evidenced by the fact that most of the glaciers are losing mass, the secretary said. Chief Prabodh Saxena.
A significant change in snowfall patterns has also been observed during winters, affecting river discharge during the peak summer season, Saxena said.
Shimla has experienced almost negligible snow spells during the last two winters, indicating major changes in weather patterns and if this continues, water scarcity is possible in the coming years, he added.
