Glaw Lake Becomes India’s 101st Ramsar Site

Why in News?

Glaw Lake, located in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, was designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site on 3 August 2026. It is the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh and is situated within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas. With this addition, India’s network of Ramsar wetlands has expanded from 26 sites in 2014 to 101 sites, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation.

About Glaw Lake: India’s 101st Ramsar Site

Glaw Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake fed by perennial mountain streams. It lies in one of the most ecologically rich landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot. The wetland and its surrounding catchment support an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, making it an important site for biodiversity conservation.

The lake’s ecosystem contains more than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species. Orchids are considered important indicator species, as their presence reflects healthy mountain ecosystems and high habitat quality. The wetland also provides habitat for numerous birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, and aquatic organisms, contributing to the ecological stability of the region.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty that promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It recognises wetlands of international importance, including lakes, marshes, peatlands, mangroves, floodplains, coral reefs, and certain human-made wetlands. India became a Contracting Party to the Convention on 1 February 1982.

Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. They recharge groundwater, reduce flood risks, improve water quality, store carbon, support fisheries, and provide breeding and feeding grounds for migratory birds and aquatic biodiversity. Their conservation has become increasingly important in the face of climate change, habitat degradation, and rapid urbanisation.

The inclusion of Glaw Lake under the Ramsar Convention is expected to strengthen scientific conservation, sustainable management, ecological monitoring, and community participation in protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. It will also enhance opportunities for biodiversity research and eco-tourism while ensuring the long-term preservation of this unique wetland.

Related Information

The Kamlang Tiger Reserve, where Glaw Lake is located, forms part of the Namdapha–Kamlang landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. The reserve is known for its rich forests, diverse wildlife, and strategic location within the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. It supports several threatened species, including tigers, clouded leopards, red pandas, and numerous endemic birds.

India has significantly expanded its Ramsar network in recent years. From 26 Ramsar Sites in 2014, the country now has 101 wetlands of international importance, making it one of the largest Ramsar networks in Asia. States such as Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab have a particularly high number of Ramsar Sites, reflecting sustained efforts towards wetland conservation.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Latest Ramsar Site: Glaw Lake.
• Designation Date: 3 August 2026.
• India’s Ramsar Site Number: 101st.
• State: Arunachal Pradesh.
• District: Lohit.
• Protected Area: Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Type: High-altitude freshwater lake.
• Biodiversity: More than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species.
• Global Region: Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
• Ramsar Convention: Adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
• India Joined Ramsar Convention: 1 February 1982.
• First Ramsar Site of Arunachal Pradesh: Glaw Lake.
• Ecological Importance of Wetlands: Groundwater recharge, flood mitigation, carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and habitat for migratory birds.
• Indicator Species: Orchids are widely used to assess the health and quality of mountain ecosystems.