Veteran ecologist Madhav Gadgil, widely regarded as one of India’s foremost environmental thinkers, passed away late Wednesday at the age of 83.
Gadgil was best known for chairing the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), later called the Gadgil Commission, which in 2010 recommended strict safeguards for the fragile Western Ghats. His report sparked intense political and public debate across six states, highlighting the tension between development and ecological protection.
A lifelong advocate of community-led conservation, Gadgil consistently argued that local communities must remain central to ecological protection. His approach influenced generations of environmental policy makers and activists.
Key Contributions
- Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel: Headed the WGEEP, producing a landmark report on environmental safeguards.
- UN Recognition: In 2024, honoured with the United Nations Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour, for his lifetime contribution to science and conservation.
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: Played a pivotal role in establishing India’s first biosphere reserve in 1986, trekking across Western Ghats states and engaging directly with forest communities.
- Biological Diversity Act: Served on several government bodies, including the Prime Minister’s Scientific Advisory Council, and was a key architect of India’s Biological Diversity Act. He also contributed to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act.
In a 2024 interview, Gadgil warned that tackling climate change would require addressing activities such as rock quarrying and traffic congestion, despite their economic importance. He expressed hope that grassroots communities and marginalised groups would organise to make their voices heard.
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