Arunachal Pradesh’s Glaw Lake becomes India’s 101st Ramsar site | See pics

The Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar site, making it the state’s first wetland to receive international recognition under the Ramsar Convention, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Monday.

In a post on X, Yadav said the designation marked “a significant milestone for biodiversity, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.” He described the pristine freshwater lake in the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot, adding that every new Ramsar Site strengthens India’s resolve to protect nature while securing the future of communities that depend on these ecosystems.

The high-altitude freshwater lake is fed by perennial mountain streams and is surrounded by dense vegetation.

More than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species have been recorded within the site and its catchment area, underscoring its ecological significance.

The Ramsar status will bring dedicated management plans, stronger legal protection and access to international technical guidance to help conserve the fragile ecosystem of the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, an official said, PTI reported.

As a high-altitude freshwater wetland, the lake plays a key role in regulating local hydrology, storing carbon and maintaining downstream river flows, the official added.

PTI further reported that the global recognition is expected to promote community-led eco-tourism for indigenous communities in Lohit district and facilitate scientific research, monitoring and access to conservation funding.

PTI further reported that the global recognition is expected to promote community-led eco-tourism for indigenous communities in Lohit district and facilitate scientific research, monitoring and access to conservation funding.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu welcomed the recognition, calling it a landmark in the state’s ecological conservation efforts. In a post on X, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, saying the Ramsar designation would strengthen biodiversity conservation, promote sustainable livelihoods and inspire future generations to protect the state’s natural ecosystems.