Glaw Lake Designated as Arunachal Pradesh’s First and India’s 101st Ramsar Site
Environment & Ecology · Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Glaw Lake (Glow Lake) in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India's 101st Ramsar Site, marking the state's first internationally recognized wetland. Situated in Kamlang Tiger Reserve, the high-altitude freshwater basin feeds the Kamlang River and supports rare fauna including all four major big cat species.
Quick highlights
- Located in Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh, inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
- High-altitude freshwater lake (1,168m elevation, ~8 sq km area) acting as the headwater for Kamlang River.
- Inhabited in surrounding territories by Miju Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi, and Idu Mishmi tribal communities.
- Formed through natural tectonic activity and land-block warping in the Eastern Himalayan fold belt.
- Supports all four big cat species: Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and Snow Leopard.
Context
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh as India's 101st Ramsar Site.
Key Facts
First Ramsar site for Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by dense flora (over 150 tree species, 49 wild orchid species) and wildlife such as Hoolock Gibbon, Mishmi Takin, and Red Panda.
Significance
Elevates global conservation protection for high-altitude Himalayan wetlands and protects ancestral lands of Mishmi tribal groups.
Challenges / Way Forward
Mitigating eco-tourism impacts, preventing climate-induced glacial lake runoff changes, and involving indigenous communities in wetland management.
Exam Angle
GS Paper III (Environment, Wetlands, Biodiversity Hotspots) and Prelims geographical locations.
Remember this
- Glaw Lake is India's 101st Ramsar site and the FIRST Ramsar site in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Located in Lohit District inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Serves as the primary source for the perennial Kamlang River.
- Home to all four big cats: Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and Snow Leopard.
- Surrounded by Miju Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi, and Idu Mishmi indigenous tribal lands.
Background reading
More from Tuesday, 4 August 2026
- AI & Cyber: The Double Helix of Security Threats
- Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan Launched
- Parliament Passes the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- India Launches e-Pratyaropan Digital Platform for Organ Transplantation
- India Submits Nomination for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status for Puri Rath Yatra
- Pacific Island Nation Nauru Officially Restores Historical Name as Republic of Naoero
- Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das: Freedom Fighter, Social Reformer and Pioneer Journalist