Shillong, Apr 28: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has demanded that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma push for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention for wetland protection in Meghalaya, noting that the state currently has no designated Ramsar site.
In a statement, HITO expressed the “urgent need” for implementing the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Meghalaya. After conducting extensive research and analysis, the organisation said it believes addressing the importance of the international treaty is crucial. The treaty was adopted on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, and provides a comprehensive framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their invaluable resources.
“The Ramsar Convention is the only global environmental treaty dedicated specifically to wetlands, emphasizing international cooperation to safeguard these critical ecosystems,” HITO said.
Wetlands play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and mitigating the impacts of climate change, it added.
HITO pointed out that India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982, committing to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands within its borders.
As of early 2026, India has 98 designated Ramsar sites, with important examples including Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, which were recognised as the first Indian wetlands of international importance under the treaty in 1981.
In the Northeast, states like Assam and Tripura have Ramsar sites—such as Deepor Beel and Rudrasagar Lake respectively. “Meghalaya unfortunately remains without any designated Ramsar site. This absence is largely attributed to a lack of political will and administrative action directed towards wetland conservation,” HITO stated.
The organisation said the ongoing agitation led by the Green Tech Foundation to preserve Lumpongdeng highlights the urgent need for governmental intervention in wetland preservation.
“We firmly believe that the state government must act decisively to implement Ramsar site status for significant wetlands in Meghalaya, particularly for Umiam and Nongkhyllem, to ensure the protection and preservation of these ecologically vital areas,” HITO said.
It further advocated for the consideration of additional wetlands in the state, as needed, to secure their ecological integrity.
“We hope that our demand will be acknowledged and acted upon promptly, as we must take proactive measures to safeguard the natural heritage bestowed upon us. Protecting these ecosystems is not only a responsibility but also a moral obligation to ensure that we leave a thriving environment for future generations,” the organisation added.
