NEW DELHI: India’s one more wetland, Glaw Lake of Arunachal Pradesh, has entered the global list of protected wetlands as a Ramsar site. It is the country’s 101st such site and the state’s first to join the elite club for additional care and conservation.Located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater lake in the Eastern Himalayas and a biodiversity hotspot. The lake is fed by perennial mountain streams and is surrounded by lush vegetation, supporting rich floral diversity.“Every new Ramsar site strengthens our resolve to protect nature while securing the future of communities that depend on these invaluable ecosystems,” said Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav while announcing the development on X on Monday.The Glaw Lake wetland has over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species recorded within the site and its catchment, underscoring its ecological significance and surrounding landscape.“From 26 Ramsar sites in 2014 to 101 today, this remarkable journey reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development,” said Yadav.
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Globally, there are nearly 2,600 such designated wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. India has the highest number of such wetlands in Asia and third highest in the world after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).Wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. These are critical ecosystems that play a significant role in supporting biodiversity, and providing various ecosystem services such as flood control, water supply, food, fibre and raw materials.
