A staggering 45% of the springs in the Himalayas have completely dried up over the past four decades, a recent study reveals, painting a dire picture of the region’s water crisis. The research, conducted in the western Himalayas and focusing on Himachal Pradesh, attributes the alarming trend to rising temperatures and a significant decline in rainfall and snowfall.
The depletion of these vital water sources poses a severe threat to rural communities, impacting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and daily household needs. The study surveyed 276 spring sites across four districts: Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur.
Key findings include:
Chamba: 58 of 117 springs have dried up.
Lahaul-Spiti: 21 of 53 springs are no longer active.
Kullu: 17 of 48 springs have disappeared.
Kinnaur: 29 of 58 springs are dry.
Additionally, 26% of the surveyed springs have become semi-active, transitioning from perennial sources to monsoon-dependent ones. This seasonal reliance has led to reduced water discharge and soil moisture loss, further exacerbating water scarcity.
The study, titled “Climatic Impacts on Spring Disappearance in the Indian Himalayas,” published in the Taylor & Francis journal, highlights the urgent need for intervention. The western Himalayas are already feeling the brunt of climate change, with shrinking glaciers and altered precipitation patterns worsening the crisis.
Springs serve as lifelines for mountain communities, and their depletion signals not only environmental degradation but also potential socio-economic challenges. The study underscores the necessity for sustainable water management practices and immediate climate adaptation measures to mitigate the long-term impact on the region.
With nearly half of the Himalayan springs now vanished, the call for action grows louder—before more communities run dry.
