Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Renowned Environmentalist Madhav Gadgil Passes Away
Madhav Gadgil, a famous scientist and environmentalist, died on January 7, 2026, at the age of 83.
He was known for his work in ecology and conservation, especially in India.
Gadgil started studying ecology at the Indian Institute of Science and focused on how people and nature interact.
He founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences and encouraged many young people to study ecology.
Gadgil believed in conserving nature while also helping people, especially tribal communities.
He worked on important laws like the Biodiversity Act and the Forest Rights Act.
His most famous work was leading a panel that studied the Western Ghats, a mountain range in India.
Gadgil traveled widely, loved the Western Ghats, and believed in democratic ways to protect nature.
Madhav Gadgil, a renowned environmentalist and scientist, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 83.
He was known for his work in ecology and conservation, particularly in India, and founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at IISc.
Gadgil advocated for the sustainable use of biodiversity and the protection of tribal communities' rights.
He played a pivotal role in the creation of the Biodiversity Act (2002) and the Forest Rights Act (2006).
Gadgil chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, which produced a highly debated report on conservation in the Western Ghats.
- Who
- Madhav Gadgil, a prominent environmentalist and scientist
- What
- Passed away after a brief illness
- When
- January 7, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- Not explicitly stated, but due to a brief illness
- Name
- Madhav Gadgil
- Age at Death
- 83
- Date of Death
- January 7, 2026
- Cause of Death
- Brief illness
- Institution
- Indian Institute of Science
- Notable Works
- This Fissured Land, Ecology and Equity
- Key Contributions
- Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, Biodiversity Act (2002), Forest Rights Act (2006)
