Glaw Lake India’s 101st Ramsar Site

Source: PIB
GS III: Environment and Conservation

Why in the News?

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, on 3 August 2026 announced the designation of Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh as India’s 101st Ramsar Site.

News in Brief

• The Minister stated, ” Every new Ramsar Site strengthens our resolve to protect nature while securing the future of communities that depend on these invaluable ecosystems”.
• The designation strengthens India’s commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, water security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
• The recognition is expected to promote biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, water security, eco-tourism, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
• India’s Ramsar network has expanded from 26 sites in 2014 to 101 sites in 2026.

About Glaw Lake

• Located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is bounded by the Lang River to the north and Namdapha National Park to the south, forming part of an ecologically connected landscape.
• Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater lake in the Eastern Himalayas and a significant biodiversity hotspot.
• The lake is fed by perennial mountain streams and is surrounded by lush vegetation, supporting rich floral diversity.
• The Glaw lake wetland has over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species in its surrounding catchment area, underscoring its ecological significance and surrounding landscape.
• Its surrounding landscape are traditionally inhabited by the Miju Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi, and Idu Mishmi tribal communities, whose traditional knowledge and sustainable resource-use practices contribute to the conservation of the region’s biodiversity.
• The lake has become Arunachal Pradesh’s first Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

What Does Ramsar Status Mean

• A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognised as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971.
  • The Convention was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975.
  • India became a Contracting Party in 1982.
• It promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• The designation recognises wetlands that play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining water resources, regulating climate and supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on these ecosystems.

Importance of Ramsar Sites

• They provide safe homes for rare plants, animals, and migrating birds and helps in conserving biodiversity.
• They filter water naturally and help refill underground water tables and thus improve water security.
• They absorb heavy rainfall to lower flood risks and hold moisture during dry droughts.
• They trap large amounts of carbon to slow down global warming.
• They support fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and local livelihoods for nearby communities.

Challenges in Wetland Conservation

• Encroachment and land-use change.
• Pollution from domestic and industrial waste poison the water.
• Invasive alien species take over and harm native life.
• Climate change and altered hydrological regimes disrupt natural water cycle.
• Weak coordination among multiple agencies to protect the areas.

India’s Growing Ramsar Network

• India has significantly expanded its Ramsar network over the past decade.
• It has now 101 internationally recognised wetlands, with the designation of Glaw Lake in Andhra Pradesh, as the State’s first-ever site.
• This milestone highlights a major expansion from 26 sites in 2014, reflecting the country’s continued focus on wetland conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable management.
• It further strengthens India’s efforts to protect ecologically sensitive wetlands while promoting long-term environmental sustainability and supporting communities that rely on these natural ecosystems.

Key Government Initiatives

Water and Wetland Protection

• NPCA (National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems)
  • It merges lake and wetland conservation into one program.
  • Helps states to manage lakes and wetlands through funding and scientific plans.
• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
  • Sets up a state-level authority to list protected wetlands.
  • It bans harmful activities like waste dumping, industry setup, and land reclamation in these zones.
• Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme
  • Promotes unique values of local wetlands.
  • It encourages eco-tourism, local livelihoods, and green jobs around Ramsar sites.

Biodiversity and Coastal Restoration

• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
  • Aligns national goals with global biodiversity targets.
  • It guides the protection of plants, animals, and fragile ecosystems across India.
• MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
  • Focuses on planting mangrove trees along India’s coastlines.
  • It protects shores from storms while helping local communities earn money.

Conclusion

As India’s Ramsar network continues to expand, the focus must shift from designation to effective conservation through integrated wetland management, ensuring that these ecosystems continue to support biodiversity, water security, and local livelihoods.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Glaw Lake and the Ramsar Convention:

1. Glaw Lake is the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. With the inclusion of Glaw Lake, India now has 101 Ramsar Sites.
3. The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

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