Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announces Glaw Lake as India's 101st Ramsar Site (Image Courtesy: X/Bhupender Yadav)
NEW DELHI: India has added Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh to the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, taking the country’s total number of Ramsar Sites to 101.
The designation, announced on August 3, 2026, also marks the first such recognition for Arunachal Pradesh.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav made the announcement, describing it as an important step for biodiversity conservation, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.
A Landmark for the Eastern Himalayas
Nestled within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater wetland in the Eastern Himalayas.
Fed by perennial mountain streams and surrounded by dense natural vegetation, the lake and its catchment support exceptional floral diversity, including more than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species.
This ecological richness qualifies the site as a biodiversity hotspot and underscores its value for regional conservation efforts.
The Ramsar designation is expected to strengthen long-term protection measures while supporting communities that depend on the wetland’s resources.
India’s Expanding Ramsar Network
In a social media post, Yadav highlighted the rapid growth of India’s Ramsar network: “From 26 Ramsar Sites in 2014 to 101 today, this remarkable journey reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.”
He further noted: “Powered by 101. India continues Her journey beyond a century in designating Ramsar Sites. Delighted to announce Glaw Lake as Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar Site, a significant milestone for biodiversity, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.”
Yadav emphasised that every new Ramsar Site reinforces the country’s resolve to protect nature while securing the future of communities linked to these ecosystems.
Understanding the Ramsar Framework
The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, is an international treaty focused on the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Sites are designated based on their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological or hydrological importance.
By listing a wetland, countries commit to establishing management frameworks that balance conservation with sustainable use.
India now ranks among the leading countries in Asia for the number of Ramsar Sites and holds the third-highest total globally.
The addition of Glaw Lake continues a decade-long expansion that has significantly strengthened the country’s wetland conservation framework.
The designation of Glaw Lake brings international attention and structured protection to a remote high-altitude ecosystem.
It is expected to enhance scientific monitoring, promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and contribute to water security and climate resilience in the Eastern Himalayan landscape.
As India moves beyond the century mark in Ramsar designations, the focus remains on ensuring that these wetlands continue to deliver ecological services while supporting biodiversity and human well-being for generations to come.
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