Renowned Ecologist Madhav Gadgil, Champion of Western Ghats Conservation, Passes Away at 83
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Noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil, a pioneer in India's ecological research and conservation, has passed away in Pune after a brief illness. He was 83. Gadgil's contributions to the field of ecology are immeasurable. As the founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru and chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, also known as the Gadgil Commission, he played a crucial role in shaping India's ecological policy. In 2024, the United Nations honored Gadgil with the Champions of the Earth award for his groundbreaking work on the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. The expert panel, which he chaired, submitted a landmark report recommending significant portions of the Western Ghats be designated as ecologically sensitive. Born in Pune to an illustrious academic family, Gadgil graduated from Fergusson College and later pursued his PhD from Harvard University. He established key institutions at the Indian Institute of Science and continued his academic engagement with various institutions across India. Gadgil authored several influential books, including 'This Fissured Land' and 'Ecology and Equity', and published over 250 scientific papers. He received numerous national and international honours for his work. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
