The Indus River basin, a vital water source for Pakistan and western India, is facing a growing threat as snow levels in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region continue to decline. Recent data show significantly reduced snow persistence, marking several consecutive years of below-average levels and raising concerns about water shortages for hundreds of millions of people. As meltwater is a key contributor to river flow, reduced snow cover will lead to lower water availability, increased drought risk, and pressure on agriculture, energy production, and livelihoods. Experts warn that the trend could have long-term consequences unless effective water management and regional cooperation are strengthened. There are similar problems with other river basins in south Asia such as Helmand and Amu Darya; also, hydropower operators in the Mekong, Yangtze (home to the Three Gorges Dam), and Brahmaputra should anticipate below-normal generation in early summer. The situation shows the increasing vulnerability of communities dependent on natural systems already under strain from environmental change.