MUMBAI: Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away late Wednesday night at his residence in Pune after a brief illness, his son Siddhartha confirmed on Thursday. He was 82 years old. The cremation is set to take place today at 4 p.m. at Pune's Vaikuntha crematorium, marking a significant loss for the environmental community and the nation.

Gadgil was widely known for his pioneering work on the ecological significance of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. His efforts culminated in 2024 with the United Nations awarding him the Champions of the Earth award, the UN's highest environmental honor. His influential report included strict recommendations for areas marked as ecologically sensitive, advocating for bans on new construction and mining operations, which he believed were detrimental to local ecosystems.

In an interview with The Hindu last year, Gadgil expressed deep concerns about the ongoing environmental crises in the Western Ghats. "What we witnessed was a model of development being imposed on people without their consent," he stated, highlighting that both development and conservation efforts were often executed in a top-down manner that neglected local communities’ voices.

Following his passing, Jairam Ramesh, former Environment Minister and Congress leader, highlighted Gadgil's extensive contributions to ecology and his role as a mentor for many. Ramesh described him as a top-notch academic scientist and a firm believer in grassroots movements. “His life was devoted to scholarship in the noblest sense,” Ramesh noted, emphasizing Gadgil's commitment to integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.

Gadgil, who founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences in 1983 at the Indian Institute of Science, was not only recognized as a scientist but also as a passionate advocate for environmental justice. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, continuing the legacy of inquiry and care for the natural world that he modeled throughout his life. With contributions that sparked crucial debates on environmental conservation, he leaves an indelible impact that will resonate in ecological circles and beyond.