Legendary Ecologist Madhav Gadgil (1943-2024): A Life of Environmental Advocacy

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Noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil, renowned for his pioneering work on the Western Ghats, passed away at 83 after a brief illness in Pune. His son, Siddartha Gadgil, confirmed the sad news, saying his father had been unwell. Gadgil, a veteran environmentalist, played a pivotal role in shaping grassroots conservation efforts in India. Born in 1943, he was influenced by his father's passion for birdwatching, which sparked his own curiosity about the natural world and diverse human cultures. Gadgil's academic background was equally impressive. He graduated in biology from Fergusson College, earned a master's degree in zoology from Mumbai University, and completed his PhD from Harvard University. He spent 31 years as a professor at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and was a visiting professor at Stanford University. Gadgil established the Centre for Ecological Sciences and collaborated with local communities on research projects. He was a member of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India from 1986 to 1990 and the national advisory council from 2010 to 2012. He also chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel from 2010 to 2011. Gadgil is best known for his landmark 'Gadgil Report,' which warned of the devastating consequences of infrastructure development in the Western Ghats. His work has protected marginalised communities, promoted community-driven conservation, and influenced high-level policymaking. He was also involved in drafting India's Biological Diversity Act. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) named Gadgil one of the six 'Champions of the Earth' for 2024. His wife, Sulochana Gadgil, a renowned monsoon scientist, passed away in July last year. Gadgil's legacy will be remembered for decades to come, inspiring future generations of environmentalists and scientists.