Climate change has significant impacts on the hydrological cycle, leading to changes in the water availability, quality, and flow in lakes and rivers. The increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can affect the physical, chemical, and biological processes in these water bodies, with potential consequences for the ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and human societies that depend on them. The impacts of climate change on lakes and rivers are diverse and can include changes in water levels, changes in water quality, changes in the timing and magnitude of floods and droughts, changes in aquatic species composition and distribution, and changes in ecosystem services. The effects are often interrelated and can have cascading effects on the functioning of the entire watershed. Water bodies around the globe are in danger due to human activities that are not sustainable. The quality and ecology of water bodies are two important features, and if they are not protected, it can have negative effects on human well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the reasons and outcomes of the declining state of water bodies. In the Himalayan water body ecosystems, the situation is particularly concerning, as unregulated urban development has put them at risk of disappearing completely. Various factors such as population growth, industrialization, deforestation, water pollution, developmental activities, sand and boulder mining, land-use changes, and encroachments have negatively affected the water flow patterns of the Jhelum River. Additionally, the construction of multiple hydroelectric projects has had a detrimental effect on the river's ecology, especially downstream areas, the flow of water and the organisms that live in it. The concern for river systems has increased due to the rise in pollution and broader worries regarding the sustainability of ecosystems. These concerns have been raised due to issues related to socio-economic development and climate change. Effective impact assessments of climate change on lakes and rivers require an interdisciplinary approach that considers both the biophysical and socio-economic dimensions of the problem. This includes monitoring and modeling the hydrological and biogeochemical processes in lakes and rivers, as well as the social and economic drivers of change, such as land use and management practices, water demand and allocation, and institutional and governance structures. Without a consideration of climate change impacts, proper utilization and management of water resources in the basin will be more difficult. Adaptation and mitigation measures can help reduce the impacts of climate change on lakes and rivers. These can include improving water use efficiency, enhancing water storage and conservation measures, protecting and restoring riparian zones and wetlands, promoting sustainable land use practices, and strengthening governance and institutional frameworks. Effective adaptation and mitigation require collaboration and engagement among different stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, resource managers, and local communities.