India, April 24 -- Snow persistence across the Hindu Kush Himalaya is 27% below the long-term average for winter 2025-26

Fourth consecutive year of decline, exceeding last year's 23.6% deficit

Only 2 of 12 major river basins - Ganga and Irrawaddy - recorded above-average snow levels

Sharpest declines seen in Mekong (59.5%), Tibetan Plateau (47.4%) and Salween (41.8%)

Reduced snowmelt could lower river flows, increase groundwater use and raise drought risks across the region

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has recorded its lowest snow persistence in recent years, with levels 27 per cent below the long-term average for the winter season from November 2025 to March 2026, according to a new report by the International Centre for Int...