Famous environmental scientists, thinkers and conservationists Dr Madhav GadgilOne of India’s leading voices for people-led ecological security, died late Wednesday night in Pune after a brief illness. He was 83 years old.
Dr. Gadgil, whose work shaped grassroots environmentalism in India, is widely remembered for his prescient warnings against unregulated infrastructure and industrial expansion in ecologically fragile areas, particularly the Western Ghats. His ideas fundamentally changed the way conservation, development and community rights were understood in the country.
Dr Gadgil’s mortal remains were kept at his residence in Panchavati, Pashan on Thursday for public homage. The last rites were performed at Vaikuntha crematorium later in the day.
He is survived by his son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. His wife passed away last year.
Early life and educational journey
Born on 24 May 1942 Pune District, Dr. Gadgil completed his schooling from Modern High School, Pune. She did her graduation from Savitribai Phule Pune University and completed her post-graduation from Mumbai University.
In the early 1970s, he received a PhD in mathematical ecology from Harvard University, and became one of the earliest biologists globally to work at the intersection of mathematics and ecology – a field that later achieved global prominence.
Building the Ecology Ecosystem of India
after returning IndiaAfter 1973, Dr. Gadgil joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where he taught and conducted research since 1973. In 1983, he established the Center for Ecological Sciences (CES) at IISc, which became one of India’s premier institutes for ecological and conservation research.
In a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Gadgil authored more than 225 scientific papers, covering evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation biology and environmental history. His work consistently connected hard science to social realities.
Champions of community-based conservation
In contrast to the traditional conservation model, Dr. Gadgil strongly believed that local communities are the best custodians of nature. For nearly 40 years, he worked closely with forest-dwelling and rural communities in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri), advocating conservation strategies rooted in public participation and democratic decision-making.
He also conducted extensive biodiversity documentation in Northeast India, again emphasizing indigenous knowledge systems and community leadership.
Gadgil Report and the Western Ghats
Dr. Gadgil’s most influential public contribution came as the Chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), which was formed. central ministry Department of Environment and Forest in 2009.
The panel’s report, which was presented in 2011 and known as the Gadgil Report, recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats – one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots – as an ecologically sensitive area. It proposed strict regulation of mining, large dams, polluting industries and unsustainable construction in highly fragile areas.
What distinguished the report was its “bottom-up” governance model, which placed decision-making powers in the hands of village councils rather than distant bureaucratic institutions. Although the report faced strong political and industrial opposition and was never fully implemented, its scientific warnings have been repeatedly validated by landslides, floods and ecological degradation across the region.
Role in environmental governance
Dr. Gadgil also played an important role in shaping India’s environmental policy framework. He was among the major contributors to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which laid the foundation for biodiversity conservation and equitable benefit-sharing in India.
Awards and recognition
Dr. Gadgil’s extraordinary contributions to science and society have earned him many national and international honours. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Padma Bhushan in 2006. He was also a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, one of India’s highest scientific honours.
Internationally, he has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Volvo Environment Award, which recognize his lifelong commitment to ecological science and sustainable development.
Tributes are being paid
Remembering Dr. Gadgil, Dr. Pandit Vidyasagar, former Vice-Chancellor, Swami Ramanand Tirtha Marathwada University, Nanded, said: “For more than 45 years, Dr. Gadgil worked tirelessly for biodiversity conservation. He was a deeply studious scientist, who always got to the root of the problem. He never hesitated to challenge governments and power structures, basing his arguments boldly and firmly on scientific evidence. Kept.”
“He was fearless, straightforward and extremely dedicated to educating people. Our conversations with him were always intellectually enriching. He traveled extensively MaharashtraSpreading awareness about conservation, especially the Western Ghats. Dr. Gadgil was not only a great scientist and visionary, but also a selfless human being and a true social reformer. With his passing, India has lost one of its most principled and courageous environmental voices – a scientist who consistently chose people, ecology and truth over convenience and compromise.”
Dr. Sachin Anil Punekar, conservation biologist and founder of Biosphere, said, Professor Madhav Gadgil is a true giant in ecology and conservation. His work on community-led conservation, sacred groves and traditional knowledge will leave a lasting impact. A leading thinker in ecology and conservation biology, Professor Gadgil dedicated his life to understanding the complex relationships between nature and society and advocating for policies that are inclusive of both biodiversity and people at large. He consistently emphasized community participation and decentralized governance. He never hesitated to speak truth to power, firmly believing that long-term ecological sustainability was inseparable from social justice and democratic governance. He was a great support for our green initiatives such as the Movement Against Biological Invasion (MABI), a movement that addresses the ill effects, eradication campaigns, awareness programs and policy advocacy regarding invasive alien species in the country. We have lost a giant in ecology and conservation; He will always be remembered for his scientific contributions and outspoken views.”
Kedar Gore, Director of the Corbett Foundation, said, “India has lost one of its finest ecologists and environmentalists. Professor Gadgil will always be remembered for his eye-opening report which recommended conservation of about 75% of the Western Ghats. Unfortunately, India has not yet demarcated the eco-sensitive zones of the Western Ghats, due to which many ecologically destructive projects are flourishing in this global biodiversity hotspot. “As a tribute to Professor Gadgil, India must prioritize this much-needed step and prevent any further degradation of this important landscape.”
Environmentalist Stalin D of NGO Vanashakti said, “Dr. Madhav Gadgil will remain a great figure in the field of Indian conservation. He is known for his intellectual honesty, commitment, sensitivity and bravery in words as well as action. His balanced approach towards conservation of forests, wildlife habitats and rivers is exemplary. He did not sell his intelligence to benefit those who wanted to destroy the environment and forests. Despite his advanced age, he remained an ecological activist. He never hesitated to visit important areas and prepare honest reports. Every government and political party in power is guilty of undermining his work. We salute him for his exemplary work and attitude.
(With inputs from Ranjit Jadhav)
