Madhav Gadgil: A Legacy in Ecology and Conservation
Madhav Gadgil, a preeminent Indian ecologist, passed away on January 7 after a brief illness, leaving behind a substantial legacy that spans scientific research, conservation policy advocacy, and collaboration with grassroots movements.
Key Contributions and Legacy
- Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel: Chaired the Gadgil commission, which in 2011 proposed the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive zone. Although the report generated significant debate and was never implemented, its warnings about ecological exploitation proved prescient.
- Scientific Career:
- Founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, in 1983.
- Initiated key research topics such as sacred groves, dry deciduous forests, and sustainable bamboo harvesting.
- Contributed to the creation of the Nilgiri Biosphere in 1986 and launched India’s first wild elephant census.
- Collaborations and Publications:
- Worked with anthropologist K C Malhotra on pastoral communities' resource use.
- Co-authored influential books with historian Ramachandra Guha, including This Fissured Land and Ecology and Equity: The Use and Abuse of Nature in Contemporary India.
- Awards and Recognitions:
- Recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Volvo Environment Prize, Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and UN Champions of the Earth award in 2024.
Personal Life and Philosophy
- Early Life: Born in Pune in 1942, inspired by anthropologist Iravati Karve and ornithologist Salim Ali.
- Family: Married to climate scientist Sulochana Gadgil, with whom he shared a long professional and personal partnership until her passing in July 2025.
Final Years and Autobiography
- Autobiography: Published A Walk up the Hill: Living with People and Nature in 2023, expressing the belief that scholarship should drive actionable change.
- Recent Projects: Focused on developing educational material in Marathi using AI tools, although these projects remained unfinished.
Madhav Gadgil's work exemplifies his belief that understanding should lead to action, a message that inspires hope for a better world.
