India, Sept. 3 -- Veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Karan Singh on Wednesday suggested the setting up of a Himalayan authority by Himalayan nations to help save the mountain range and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the initiative.

He also termed the four-laning of highways to connect the Char Dhams in Uttarakhand "reprehensible", saying the Government of India must adopt a proactive role in saving the Himalayas from destruction.

Singh also expressed deep sympathy with the people of Nepal over the loss of lives after the disaster, saying he has a special attachment to the country as his late wife hailed from the place.

"The cataclysmic events in Nepal have led to a considerable loss of life and property. I wo...