Arunachal Pradesh

The Bhagajang Wetland Complex is located in the southwest part of the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, within the altitudinal range of 4,000–4,400 m asl. Comprising nearly 20 lakes, this complex supports faunal species listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. These are the factors that threaten the wetland itself:

• Increase of pressure on the grazing grounds since the area is easily accessible to yak and sheep, compared to other summer grazing areas
• Construction of an alternate road to Tawang via the Naga grazing ground
• Inadequate infrastructure and resources to support the increasing number of pilgrims visiting these lakes
• Lack of awareness among visitors on the value of these wetlands
• Religious offerings of khadas, coins and ornaments dumped into the lakes
• Cutting of the already limited patches of vegetation in the area for use as fuel during summer months

Located within the altitudinal range of 3,500-4,500 m asl, the Nagula Wetland Complex is situated north of the Tawang Township of Western Arunachal Pradesh. The complex comprises more than 100 permanent alpine freshwater lakes, which are fed mostly by snow-melt water. The catchment area is rich in rare medicinal plant species. The complex faces the following hurdles:

• Increase in unregulated tourism
• Construction of an alternate road to Zimithang
• Lack of awareness amongst the Army, Border Roads Organisation workers and visitors
• Killing or trapping of wild animals
• Construction of view points and toilets on the edges of the lakes in the complex