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 also marks a significant milestone for Arunachal Pradesh, which has secured its first Ramsar Site.
Announcing the development, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said the inclusion of Glaw Lake reflects India’s continued commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.
In a post on social media platform X, the Minister said the designation of Glaw Lake represents “a significant milestone for biodiversity, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.” He noted that India has expanded its Ramsar network from 26 sites in 2014 to 101 sites, describing it as a reflection of the country’s sustained focus on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas, Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater ecosystem renowned for its rich biodiversity. The lake is fed by perennial mountain streams and is surrounded by dense forest vegetation, making it an ecologically significant habitat.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the wetland and its catchment area support more than 150 species of trees and 49 species of orchids, highlighting its importance as a biodiversity hotspot. The protected landscape also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance while supporting water security and the livelihoods of communities dependent on the region’s natural resources.
The Ramsar designation is expected to strengthen conservation efforts for the lake and enhance national and international recognition of its ecological value. Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands through national action and global cooperation.
With the addition of Glaw Lake, India has crossed the milestone of 100 Ramsar Sites, further reinforcing its position among the countries with the largest networks of internationally recognised wetlands. The latest designation underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to preserve critical ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and long-term environmental resilience.
