The catchment areas of such major rivers therefore extend beyond the boundaries of one nation. Despite these realities dictated by nature, countries in the HKH do not share hydrological data as a rule. In many countries of the HKH, hydrological data and even spatial information and maps are classified and not available even for their national researchers. Sharing of hydrological, climatological and spatial data is a prerequisite for optimum, utilisation and management of regional waters in order to provide full benefit to the people from this rich resources of this region. Except for India and China, most of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan countries cannot use up the benefits obtained from their water resources within their territories only.
Floods are the principal hazards in the lower valleys and plains.
During extreme weather events, the consequences are disastrous. Available data from selected areas show that the deterioration in water quality is quite alarming, particularly in small rivers, streams and shallow ground water. This has serious implication for poor and marginalised people in both the urban and rural areas who are wholly dependent for their water needs on openly accessible water bodies such as rivers, streams and shallow wells and springs. The region's present population of nearly 150 million is expected to double within the next thirty five years and hence the demand for water will increase tremendously within the next few decades, particularly because the pace of development is being accelerated in all the countries of the region. Changes in life style with greater consumption of water at individual household level alone and increased food production through increased use of high yielding varieties of crops will create huge demands for freshwater in the region.