The two projections indicate a profound shift in the dynamics of water flows in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Indus river.Moderate emissions scenarios lead to a gradual decline in snow cover and snowmelt runoff with increased rainfall and glacial melt contributing significantly.The snowmelt decrease by 14.75% and 44.45% in the near and far future, respectively, while glacial melt and rainfall increase substantially. Such a scenario reflects a slow but steady transition from snow-driven to rain and glacier-driven runoff, particularly after 2050.In contrast, the other extreme emission scenario shows much more drastic changes. It triggers snow cover and snowmelt to decline sharply with a 53.77% reduction in snowmelt runoff by 2090.Rainfall and glacial melt might increase significantly, especially after mid-century resulting in more extreme total runoff fluctuations.Hence, the Jal Shakthi ministry urged the need for mitigation to prevent severe reduction in snow cover and management of the increasing variability in water resources.
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