Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site, making it the first Ramsar Site in the State and strengthening India’s commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development.

Key Highlights

• Glaw Lake has been recognised under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• With this addition, India’s total Ramsar Sites have increased to 101, up from 26 sites in 2014, reflecting the country’s expanding wetland conservation efforts.
  • Northeast India now has a total of 6 Ramsar Sites.
• The designation was announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

About Glaw Lake

• Location: Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh, within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
• Type: Freshwater lake, fed by perennial mountain streams.
• River: The Kamlang River flows to the north of the lake.
• The site is also recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).

Ecological Significance

• The wetland supports over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species within its catchment.
• It provides habitat to four species of big cats—Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and Snow Leopard.
• It is an important habitat and wintering ground for the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron.
• Other notable wildlife includes the Great Hornbill, Red Goral, Hoolock Gibbon, Asian Golden Cat, Asiatic Black Bear and Barking Deer.
• Glaw Lake also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Mishmi community, who regard it as a sacred site.

List Of Other Ramsar Sites in Northeast

As of August 2026, the NE states of Meghalaya and Nagaland do not yet have any designated Ramsar sites

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Glaw Lake:

1. It is the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. It is located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve.
3. It is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

One-line Wrap

The designation of Glaw Lake as India’s 101st Ramsar Site highlights the growing importance of wetland conservation in safeguarding biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the Eastern Himalayas.