Glaw Lake Becomes Arunachal Pradesh's First Ramsar Site; India's Ramsar Sites Tally Reaches 101

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, announced the designation of Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh as India's 101st Ramsar Site. The announcement, made via a social media post on 'X', marks a major milestone as Arunachal Pradesh gets its first-ever Ramsar Site, taking India's total tally past the century mark.

Glaw Lake: Key Highlights

1. Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater lake located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas. 
2. It is fed by perennial mountain streams and is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, with the site and its catchment area recording over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species.

Where is Glaw Lake Located?

The lake lies within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the Eastern Himalayan region and surrounded by dense forest cover.

Why is Glaw Lake important?

Rich Biodiversity

Fed by perennial mountain streams and surrounded by lush vegetation, Glaw Lake supports rich floral diversity, making it ecologically significant not just for the lake itself but for the broader landscape surrounding it.

Why is Glaw Lake designated as a Ramsar Site in India?

Shri Yadav described the designation as an important step for biodiversity conservation, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing India's commitment to protecting nature while supporting communities dependent on such ecosystems.

India's Ramsar Journey

The Minister highlighted the sharp expansion of India's Ramsar network under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, noting the growth from 26 Ramsar Sites in 2014 to 101 today. He called it a reflection of India's sustained commitment to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, adding that India "continues Her journey beyond a century in designating Ramsar Sites."

What Does Ramsar Status Mean?

A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognised as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The designation recognises wetlands that play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining water resources, regulating climate and supporting the livelihoods of communities dependent on them.

What is a wetland?

A wetland is a natural area where land remains saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such as lakes, marshes, swamps and floodplains.

Why is a wetland important?

Wetlands help regulate water flow, support diverse plant and animal life, improve water quality, and provide livelihood resources for local communities, making them essential for both ecological balance and climate resilience.