SHILLONG : The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to take immediate steps to implement the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Meghalaya and to declare Umiam Lake and Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary as Ramsar sites for better ecological protection.
In a letter submitted to the Chief Minister, HITO president Donbok Dkhar stressed the urgent need for the state to adopt stronger wetland conservation measures under the international Ramsar framework, which was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
The organisation stated that the convention provides a global framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity, water regulation, and climate change mitigation. It further noted that India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
HITO highlighted that as of early 2026, India has 98 Ramsar sites, including well-known wetlands such as Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, but Meghalaya still does not have any designated Ramsar site.
The organisation also pointed out that several northeastern states, including Assam and Tripura, already have Ramsar-designated wetlands such as Deepor Beel and Rudrasagar Lake, while Meghalaya remains outside the list.
According to HITO, this absence is largely due to a lack of political will and administrative focus on wetland conservation in the state.
Referring to ongoing environmental concerns, including the Green Tech Foundation’s agitation to protect Lumpongdeng, HITO urged the government to act decisively and prioritize Ramsar recognition for major wetlands such as Umiam and Nongkhyllem. The organisation also suggested that other ecologically significant wetlands in the state should be considered for similar protection.
HITO further stated that safeguarding these ecosystems is both an environmental responsibility and a moral obligation to future generations, and expressed hope that the state government will take prompt action on the demand.