Pune, Jan 8: Eminent Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away yesterday at the age of 83 in Pune following a brief illness. Gadgil was celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to ecological research and conservation in India, leaving an indelible mark on grassroots environmental movements.
A Life Devoted to Ecology
Gadgil played a pivotal role in landmark environmental campaigns, including the Save Silent Valley Movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and spearheaded forest protection initiatives in Bastar during the 1980s.
He also led the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (2009–2011), producing a seminal report advocating the protection of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. His recommendations balanced conservation with democratic and community led approaches, addressing threats from industrialisation and climate change.
Honours and Recognition
Over his lifetime, Gadgil received numerous accolades, including:
Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan (India’s highest civilian honours)
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
Volvo Environment Prize
Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, 2024)
Tributes Pour In
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called Gadgil “one of India’s foremost voices in ecological inquiry,” highlighting his ability to turn scientific evidence into protective action, particularly in the Western Ghats.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh remembered him as a “pre-eminent ecologist, pioneering institution-builder, tireless field researcher, and mentor to generations,” who championed both modern scientific methods and traditional knowledge systems in biodiversity conservation.