"The IMF has always taken a broad and holistic approach of its mandate. In recent years, the IMF has also been involved in environment protection works in the Himalayas," Manmohan Singh said after releasing a special postal cover for the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) as part of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations here.

"There is no greater service the IMF can do to its cause than by working for the preservation of the Himalayan ecology and the environment of the Himalayas," the prime minister said.

"It is a matter of deep concern that the Himalayas are being threatened by climate change. The Himalayan eco-system supports the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar regions," Manmohan Singh noted.

He further said, "There is evidence that the Himalayan glaciers are receding but studies have so far been inconclusive on the extent of change and whether climate change is a significant contributory factor. We need to develop more expertise and capabilities in Himalayan glaciology.

"But even the threat of environmental damage should spur our nation to action. We must take all precautionary measures so that the danger, which lurks in the background, does not materialize. We must mobilize all our resources to protect the Himalayas. The IMF should be an important part of this gigantic national effort," he added.

"The last 50 years have been a very productive period in the IMF's history. But I sincerely hope and pray that the next 50 years will be still more productive in terms of their service to the cause of our nation," he said.