Himalaya Diwas, observed on September 9, draws attention to the Himalayan ecosystem and the need to conserve it. It was first declared in Uttarakhand in 2015 to promote conservation, sustainable development and community participation. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region feeds major rivers including the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra. The ICIMOD Snow Update 2026 found snow persistence 27.8% below average, with 10 of 12 major river basins below normal. Retreating glaciers can shrink long-term natural water storage and raise the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).