Veteran ecologist and environmentalist Madhav Gadgil, best known for chairing the landmark Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, passed away late Wednesday night at his residence in Pune after a brief illness. He was 83 years old. The news was confirmed by his son, Siddhartha Gadgil, in a statement on Thursday.

Gadgil headed the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel in 2010, producing the influential report commonly referred to as the Gadgil Commission, which recommended stringent measures to protect the ecologically fragile region. He also served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and contributed significantly to the formulation of the Biological Diversity Act.

A distinguished scholar, Gadgil founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru and advanced research in population biology, conservation biology, human ecology, and ecological history. His extensive body of work includes more than 250 scientific papers published in prestigious national and international journals.

Also Read: Former Kerala Minister VK Ebrahim Kunju Passes Away at 73

Honored with the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Padma Bhushan in 2006, Gadgil was recognized in 2024 as one of the United Nations Environment Programme's Champions of the Earth for his lifelong dedication to biodiversity conservation. He played a crucial role in promoting community-based approaches and the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act.

Gadgil's passing has prompted tributes from across the scientific and environmental communities, highlighting his enduring influence on India's ecological policies and his advocacy for balancing development with sustainable conservation practices.

Also Read: Congress Veteran Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away at 81 in Pune