Madhav Gadgil, Esteemed Indian Ecologist, Passes Away at 83

Tribute to a Pioneering Ecologist

Prominent Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away in Pune on Wednesday evening following a brief illness, as confirmed by his son, Siddhartha Gadgil. He was 83 years old.

Recognized as a leading authority in the field of ecology in India, Gadgil is particularly noted for his role as the chair of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, which was established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2010. The panel's report, known as the Gadgil Report, released in 2011, highlighted the dangers posed by mining, quarrying, large dams, and unregulated infrastructure development to the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.

Despite facing significant opposition, the report advocated for the designation of 75% of the mountain range as environmentally sensitive due to its rich biodiversity and dense forests.

Gadgil, who was born in Pune in 1942, pursued his education in Pune and Mumbai before earning a doctorate in mathematical ecology from Harvard University.

He dedicated over thirty years to teaching at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, where he established the Centre for Ecological Sciences in 1983.

Throughout his career, Gadgil authored or co-authored seven books and over 225 scientific papers. His notable works include This Fissured Land, co-written with Ramachandra Guha, Ecology and Equity, and his autobiography, A Walk Up the Hill.

He also contributed to the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and led various international organizations, including the Science and Technology Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility.

Gadgil received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1981, the Padma Bhushan in 2006, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement in 2015, and the Volvo Environment Prize.

In 2024, he was honored as a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme, recognized as a 'people’s scientist'. The UN noted that his research significantly aided in protecting marginalized communities and fostering community-driven conservation efforts.

Following his passing, former Environment Minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh paid tribute to Gadgil on social media, describing him as an exceptional academic, a dedicated field researcher, an innovative institution-builder, and a mentor to many over the past fifty years.

Madhav Gadgil, the pre-eminent ecologist, has just passed away. He was a top-notch academic scientist, a tireless field researcher, a pioneering institution-builder, a great communicator, a firm believer in people’s networks and movements, and friend, philosopher, guide, and… pic.twitter.com/gJMOTdzuXw

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 8, 2026