India, Sept. 18 -- Himalayan glaciers are losing mass 65% faster than they were a decade ago, increasing the risk of disasters linked to glacial lakes, melting ice and unstable slopes, a new report says.

Black carbon from South Asia contributes about one-third of Himalayan glacier melt, with brick kilns and other industries in the plains among the key sources.

The report assessed 189 high-risk glacial lakes in India and classified 56 of them as very high risk, warning that downstream villages, roads, bridges and infrastructure remain exposed.

It calls for stronger glacier monitoring, early-warning systems, action on black carbon, spring revival, better forest management and a new development model for the Himalayas.

The Himalayas are ...