Glaw Lake Becomes India's 101st Ramsar Wetland Site

India has designated Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh as its 101st Ramsar site, the first wetland in the state to receive the international status. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the designation, highlighting the lake’s location within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas. The high‑altitude freshwater lake supports over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species, making it a critical biodiversity hotspot.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu praised the move as a milestone for biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and climate security, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support. The Ramsar Convention, administered by UNESCO, provides legal protection and access to technical and financial assistance for wetland management. The designation brings stricter safeguards, community‑led ecotourism opportunities for indigenous peoples, and potential research and grant funding. India’s total Ramsar sites have risen from 26 in 2014 to 101, reflecting a broader national commitment to wetland conservation.