Himachal witnesses gradual snowfall pattern shift  

Findings from the Latest Study:

• The study by the Centre on Climate Change of Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE) shows an overall decrease of 12.72% in snow cover area in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23.
• The study used Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data to analyze snow cover trends.
• Early winter months (October-November) showed a decrease in snow cover area except for the Ravi basin, which showed a marginal increase in October.
• Peak winter months (December-January) saw a negative trend in snow cover area.
• Late winter months (February-March) showed a positive trend with an increase in snow cover area in all basins compared to the previous year.
• Snow cover area increased in April due to fresh snowfall in the early summer period.

• Originating from Rakas Lake in Tibet, the Satluj River is the longest river in Himachal Pradesh.
• It flows through the districts of Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Bilaspur, and enters Punjab near Nangal.
• The river is crucial for hydropower generation and irrigation.
• Hydropower Dams: Bhakra Dam (Bhakra-Nangal Project), Nathpa Jhakri Dam, Karcham Wangtoo Dam.
• Glaciers Feeding: Rakas Lake (Tibet), Zema Glacier, Shipki La Glacier.

• The Beas River originates from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass.
• It flows through the districts of Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Kangra, eventually entering Punjab.
• It is known for its picturesque valleys and is significant for agriculture and hydropower.
• Hydropower Dams: Pandoh Dam, Pong Dam (Maharana Pratap Sagar).
• Glaciers Feeding: Beas Kund Glacier.

• Originating from the Bara Bhangal Glacier in the Himalayas, the Ravi River flows through the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
• It eventually enters Pakistan. The river is crucial for both hydropower and irrigation in the region.
• Hydropower Dams: Chamera Dam (Chamera I, II, and III).
• Glaciers Feeding: Bara Bhangal Glacier.

• The Chenab River, formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, originates from the Bara Lacha Pass in Lahaul-Spiti.
• It flows through the districts of Lahaul and Chamba before entering Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is one of the largest rivers in terms of discharge and is vital for hydropower.
• Hydropower Dams: No major dams within Himachal Pradesh, but significant potential for hydropower.
• Glaciers Feeding: Bara Shigri Glacier, Miyar Glacier.

• The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas.
• It forms the eastern boundary of Himachal Pradesh with Uttarakhand.
• It is one of the most sacred rivers in India and supports major irrigation systems downstream.
• Hydropower Dams: No significant major hydropower projects within Himachal Pradesh (major dams located downstream in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh).
• Glaciers Feeding: Yamunotri Glacier.

• The Spiti River originates from the Kunzum Range and flows through the cold desert region of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
• It joins the Satluj River near Khab. The river is known for its stunning landscapes and unique ecosystem.
• Hydropower Dams: No significant major hydropower projects (projects primarily focused on other rivers in the region).
• Glaciers Feeding: Kunzum Range Glaciers.

• The Parbati River originates from the Parbati Glacier in the Kullu district.
• It is a tributary of the Beas River.
• The river is significant for its hydropower potential and scenic beauty, attracting many trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
• Hydropower Dams: Parbati Hydroelectric Project.
• Glaciers Feeding: Parbati Glacier.