Madhav Gadgil

Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away, leaving behind a profound impact on ecological conservation, particularly in the Western Ghats.

About Madhav Gadgil

Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil was a pioneering Indian ecologist, often referred to as the “father of modern Indian ecology.” His contributions to environmental science, activism, and policy formulation have left a lasting imprint, particularly in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot.

Contributions of Gadgil

• Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP): Gadgil chaired this panel, which led to the 2011 Gadgil Report, proposing the creation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and emphasizing sustainable development.
• He was also instrumental in creating the Biological Diversity Act of 2002 and founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at IISc. 
• Governance Philosophy: Gadgil was a strong proponent of bottom-up governance, advocating for local community involvement in the management of natural resources, ensuring that conservation efforts align with traditional ecological knowledge.

Awards & recognition

• Gadgil received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. 
• His writings, including “This Fissured Land” and “Ecology and Equity,” reflect his deep commitment to ecology.

About Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP)

• Establishment: The WGEEP was established in March 2010 due to the Western Ghats’ ecological sensitivity, complex geography, and growing threats from climate change and unregulated development.
• Task: The panel was tasked with assessing the region’s ecology, identifying ecologically sensitive areas, recommending ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ), and proposing sustainable conservation and development mechanisms.
• Recommendations of the Gadgil Panel
  • Ecologically Sensitive Area: The entire Western Ghats (1,29,037 sq km) was designated as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), acknowledging the region’s ecological fragility.
  • Three-Tier Sensitivity Zoning: The region was divided into three categories based on ecological sensitivity:
  • ESZ 1: Most ecologically sensitive areas with strict restrictions.
  • ESZ 2: Moderately sensitive zones with controlled development.
  • ESZ 3: Areas with less sensitivity, allowing for more controlled development.
• Restrictions on Development: Recommendations included bans on genetically modified crops, mining, new hill stations, and the creation of new economic zones within the Ghats.
• Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA): The panel proposed the establishment of the WGEA, a statutory multi-state body to oversee the management of the Ghats’ sensitive areas.

Challenges and Controversies

• The Gadgil Report faced strong opposition from local industries, politicians, and certain communities, who viewed the stringent restrictions as detrimental to development. 
• Kasturirangan Committee (2013): After Gadgil’s report was rejected, the Kasturirangan Panel was constituted, with K. Kasturirangan at the helm.
• Differing Recommendations: The Kasturirangan report proposed a smaller ESA of 56,825 sq km and identified certain villages for inclusion in the ESAs, unlike Gadgil’s report, which recommended the entire region.

About Niligiri Biosphere Reserve

• Location:
  • Situated in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Western Ghats, It Spans across parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
  • Total area: 5,520 sq. km, making it the largest protected forest area in India.
• Protected Areas: Includes renowned sanctuaries and parks
  • Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Bandipur National Park
  • Nagarhole National Park
  • Mukurthi National Park
  • Silent Valley
• Core Areas:
  • Kerala and Tamil Nadu: Predominantly evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous montane sholas, and grasslands.
  • Karnataka: Mostly dry deciduous forests with patches of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and scrub jungles.
• Flora:
  • Over 3500 species of flowering plants, with 1500 endemic to the Western Ghats.
  • Notable endemic plants: Rhododendron arboretum Ssp. nilagiricum, Actinodaphne malabarica, Garcinia morella, Michelia nilgirica, Garcinia gummi-gutta, and others.
• Fauna:
  • The reserve hosts over 100 species of mammals, 550 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 300 species of butterflies.
  • Key endangered species: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Elephant (Elephas maximus), Gaur (Boss gaurus), Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar, Wild Boar, and Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak).
• Cultural Heritage: 
  • The name “Nilgiris” refers to the “blue mountains” due to the blue-hued flowers that cover the mountains.
  • The area is home to several indigenous tribes including Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Adiyans, Edanadan Chettis, Cholanaickens, Allar, Malayan, and others, with unique rituals and traditions tied to healthcare and nature conservation.
• Significance: UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme designated NBR as a biosphere reserve, marking its global ecological importance.

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Gadgil’s Legacy in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

• Madhav Gadgil’s work, particularly through the Gadgil Report, has left an indelible mark on the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 
• His recommendations for ecologically sensitive zoning have helped preserve the biodiversity of the Nilgiris, while empowering local communities to take an active role in conservation.
• Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Status: Gadgil’s proposal to designate the entire Western Ghats as an ESA, which includes the Nilgiris, has ensured that the region remains protected from large-scale, unregulated development.

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