Arunachal Pradesh has secured its first Ramsar Site with the designation of Glaw Lake as India’s 101st wetland of international importance. Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the development on Monday, describing it as a significant step towards biodiversity conservation, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.
Nestled within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas, Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater lake renowned for its rich biodiversity. The wetland and its catchment are home to more than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species, making it an important ecological hotspot.
Calling the recognition a major milestone for Arunachal Pradesh, the Minister said the addition of Glaw Lake to the Ramsar List reflects India’s growing commitment to wetland conservation. He noted that the number of Ramsar Sites in the country has increased from 26 in 2014 to 101, underscoring the government’s focus on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
The Minister added that every new Ramsar Site strengthens efforts to safeguard vital ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.
