Himachal Pradesh is facing severe damage from changing weather and natural disasters. The State government’s Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2025 shows a loss of ₹46,000 crore in disasters over the last four years. Around 1,700 people died in the last five monsoon seasons. In 2025 alone, the State got 46% more rainfall than usual from June 1 to September 6, causing over ₹4,000 crore in damages and 366 deaths. The monsoon’s start has become unpredictable with late onset, early dry spells, and sudden heavy rains. Seasons are shifting too, with earlier warm springs, shorter winters, and hotter summers. Valley temperatures have hit 40°C, and winter heatwaves are more common than summer ones. The report says average temperatures rose 1.5°C since 1901. Heavy rain days have also increased. Glaciers are shrinking fast, retreating over 50 meters yearly. New glacial lakes mean more risk of floods. Water is running low as two-thirds of traditional springs dry up, forcing some villages to empty out. Climate experts warn these changes hurt Himachal’s growth in health, education, and poverty reduction. Horticulture scientist S.P. Bhardwaj said, “These signs of climate change are not good. Reduced snow cover or rainfall, a rise in temperature will have a ripple effect. For instance, lesser snow would adversely impact apple cultivation by diminishing crucial low temperatures and chilling hours essential for crop cycles. Rising temperatures will increase pest and weed infestations, ultimately reducing productivity. Growers will face economic strain from replacing existing varieties with climate-adapted alternatives, fundamentally altering Himachal’s signature apple industry.” Scientist S.S. Randhawa added, “Himachal’s snowfall is declining in peak winter and shifting to late winter or early summer, threatening river discharge and water security. Shimla has been witnessing the effects of rising temperatures with negligible snow in recent winters. This alarming trend endangers hydropower, water sources, agriculture, forests, livestock, and infrastructure, demanding immediate attention from all stakeholders.” He urged governments to adopt climate-resilient policies at local levels to tackle these challenges.