Madhav Gadgil, Champion of Western Ghats, Dies at 82

Madhav Gadgil, one of India’s most eminent ecologists, passed away at his residence in Pune late on Wednesday night, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness, according to his son Siddhartha Gadgil. He was 82 years old. Gadgil’s cremation is scheduled for 4 p.m. today at Pune’s Vaikuntha Crematorium.

Champion of Biodiversity and Environmental Protection

Gadgil was widely celebrated for his extensive work on the ecological importance of the Western Ghats, a region recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot. In 2024, the United Nations honored him with the prestigious Champions of the Earth Award, the highest environmental accolade from the UN, acknowledging his groundbreaking research and efforts in protecting the Western Ghats.

The Gadgil Report and Advocacy for Sustainable Development

Gadgil authored a landmark report that outlined critical measures for safeguarding ecologically sensitive regions. The recommendations included strict restrictions on new road and building construction, a ban on development on steep slopes, and prohibition of rock quarrying in vulnerable areas.

In a 2025 interview with The Hindu, he voiced deep concerns over environmental degradation in the Western Ghats. He criticized both exploitative development practices and top-down conservation approaches, stating, “Mining operations and polluting industries were forced upon communities without their consent. At the same time, conservation efforts were imposed in an authoritarian manner by a forest department that often acted in a tyrannical and anti-people way.”

A Legacy of Scholarship and Mentorship

Former Environment Minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh remembered Gadgil as a “top-notch academic scientist, tireless field researcher, pioneering institution-builder, and a great communicator.” He highlighted Gadgil’s ability to bridge modern scientific training with traditional knowledge systems, particularly in biodiversity conservation.

Ramesh added that Gadgil’s life exemplified scholarship in its noblest form, and his influence as a mentor, guide, and friend over five decades will continue to inspire generations of environmentalists.

A Life Dedicated to Nature and Society

Madhav Gadgil’s contributions went beyond research; he shaped environmental policy, advocated for community-centered conservation, and stood as a steadfast voice for ethical and sustainable development. His passing marks the end of an era, but his vision for the Western Ghats and commitment to ecological preservation will remain enduring legacies.

About the Author

Sorit Chaudhary

Author

View All Posts