Glaw Lake Becomes India’s 101st Ramsar Site

Sanjoy gorh , Editor, FinBuzz India Published on: August 4, 2026

Arunachal Pradesh has recorded a major conservation milestone. Glaw Lake, a freshwater lake inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Lohit district, has been officially declared India’s 101st Ramsar Site. The announcement came on August 3, 2026, from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. This is the very first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh, placing the state on India’s wetland conservation map for the first time.

The recognition matters because it brings international attention and protection status to a high-altitude Himalayan lake that has quietly supported rich biodiversity for generations. For Arunachal Pradesh, it is also a moment of pride, connecting the state’s forests, wildlife, and indigenous communities to a global conservation network.

India crossing the 100-mark for Ramsar Sites earlier this year was already a notable achievement. Adding a site from Arunachal Pradesh, a state that previously had none, extends that network into the Eastern Himalayas, one of the world’s richest biodiversity zones.

• It protects a fragile high-altitude ecosystem from unchecked development.
• It opens doors for scientific research and long-term ecological monitoring.
• It can support sustainable eco-tourism, which may benefit local communities economically.

What Is Glaw Lake and Where Is It Located

Glaw Lake, sometimes also referred to as Glow Lake, is a natural freshwater lake located deep inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Lohit district, near the town of Wakro. It sits in the Eastern Himalayas and acts as a key source for the perennial Kamlang River.

Key Facts About Glaw Lake

• Spread across an estimated 8 square kilometers.
• Located at an elevation of roughly 1,168 meters above sea level.
• Fed continuously by perennial mountain streams.
• Surrounded by dense forest cover within the tiger reserve.

The lake’s catchment area alone supports more than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species, making it a genuine biodiversity hotspot rather than just a scenic waterbody.

Why Glaw Lake Qualified for Ramsar Status

Ramsar Sites are chosen based on their ecological value, not just their size or beauty. Glaw Lake stood out for several reasons.

A Rich and Untouched Ecosystem

The lake’s pristine condition, combined with its location inside a protected tiger reserve, has allowed its ecosystem to remain largely undisturbed. This is increasingly rare for high-altitude wetlands across the Himalayan belt.

Habitat for Diverse Species

Beyond its plant diversity, the lake and surrounding forest support numerous animal species, reinforcing its role as an ecological anchor for the wider Kamlang Tiger Reserve.

Regional Water Security

Since Glaw Lake feeds the Kamlang River, its protection has a direct link to water availability and ecological balance for communities living downstream.

What Officials Have Said

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called the designation an important step for biodiversity conservation, water security, and sustainable livelihoods. He noted that India’s Ramsar count has grown from just 26 sites in 2014 to 101 today, describing it as reflective of the country’s expanding conservation efforts.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the recognition as a landmark achievement for the state’s conservation journey. He credited the long-standing relationship between the state’s forests, wetlands, and indigenous communities who have protected these natural resources for generations. Khandu also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Yadav for their support and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to conserving Glaw Lake while balancing sustainable development with community welfare.

Understanding the Ramsar Convention

What Is a Ramsar Site

A Ramsar Site is a wetland formally recognized as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The convention promotes the conservation and responsible use of wetlands worldwide, including lakes, marshes, peatlands, and mangroves.

India’s Role in the Convention

India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982. Since then, the country’s list of recognized wetlands has grown steadily, with a sharp rise over the past decade, from 26 sites in 2014 to 101 sites as of August 2026.

How a Site Gets the Ramsar Tag

Wetlands are assessed on criteria such as biodiversity value, ecological uniqueness, and their role in supporting migratory species or regional water systems. Once approved, the site is added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Expected Benefits for Arunachal Pradesh

The Ramsar tag is expected to bring several long-term benefits to the state and the Kamlang Tiger Reserve region.

• Stronger conservation framework: Increased legal and institutional focus on protecting the lake’s ecosystem.
• Scientific research opportunities: Greater scope for ecological studies and long-term biodiversity monitoring.
• Sustainable eco-tourism: Potential to attract responsible tourism that benefits local livelihoods without harming the ecosystem.
• Global recognition: Puts Arunachal Pradesh’s natural heritage on the international conservation map.
• Community-linked development: Conservation efforts are expected to be paired with sustainable development initiatives for nearby communities.

the Northeast

Arunachal Pradesh joins other Northeastern states like Assam, Manipur, and Tripura, which already have Ramsar-recognized wetlands such as Deepor Beel and Loktak Lake. This adds to the region’s growing profile as a critical zone for wetland and biodiversity conservation in South Asia.

For residents of the Northeast, the designation is a reminder of how much ecological wealth the region holds, and how international frameworks like Ramsar can help safeguard it for future generations.

Conclusion

Glaw Lake’s designation as India’s 101st Ramsar Site marks a historic first for Arunachal Pradesh. Nestled inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, this high-altitude freshwater lake now carries international recognition for its biodiversity and ecological importance. With continued support from state and central authorities, the coming years are expected to bring stronger conservation measures, scientific research, and sustainable tourism opportunities to the region. This article may be updated as more official details become available.

FAQs

Q1. What is Glaw Lake and where is it located? Glaw Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake located inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh.

Q2. Why is Glaw Lake important? It has been designated India’s 101st Ramsar Site, recognizing its rich biodiversity, including over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species, and its role in regional water security.

Q3. Is Glaw Lake the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh? Yes, Glaw Lake is the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh, giving the state its inaugural entry on India’s list of internationally recognized wetlands.

Q4. Where is Glaw Lake Ramsar Site near Dibrugarh, Assam?
Answer: Glaw Lake is located inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh. It is approximately 180–220 km from Dibrugarh, Assam, and can be reached by road in about 6–8 hours, depending on the route and traffic.

Q5. Where is Glaw Lake Ramsar Site near Naharkatia, Assam?
Answer: Glaw Lake is around 140–170 km from Naharkatia, Assam. The lake lies within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh and is accessible by road in approximately 5–7 hours.

Q6. Which is India’s 101st Ramsar Site?
Answer: Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site. It is also the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh, recognized for its rich biodiversity and ecologically important wetland ecosystem.

Sources

• Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2294036
• Akashvani News (All India Radio): https://newsonair.gov.in/glaw-lake-in-arunachal-pradesh-designated-indias-101st-ramsar-site/
• GKToday: https://www.gktoday.in/glaw-lake-becomes-arunachal-pradeshs-first-ramsar-site-indias-101st/

Note: This article may be updated if new official details or figures are released.