Madhav Gadgil was one of India’s most respected environmental scientists and thinkers. He was known for his deep understanding of nature, biodiversity, and people’s rights over natural resources. For many years, he worked to protect India’s forests, mountains, rivers, and wildlife.
He became widely known because of the Gadgil Report on the Western Ghats, which focused on protecting one of the most sensitive ecological regions in India. His ideas often supported sustainable development, where people and nature can live together without destroying the environment.
Sadly, Madhav Gadgil passed away in early 2026, leaving behind a strong legacy in environmental science and policy.
Who Was Madhav Gadgil?
Madhav Gadgil was a pioneer Indian ecologist, environmentalist, researcher, and author. He played a major role in shaping India’s environmental thinking, especially around forests, biodiversity, and community participation.
He was the founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at IISc Bengaluru, one of India’s top research institutions. His work always highlighted that local communities should have a voice in protecting nature.
He strongly believed that development should not destroy forests, rivers, or mountains. Because of this, many people respected him, while some powerful groups opposed his ideas.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil |
| Date of Birth | 24 May 1942 |
| Age at Death | 83 Years |
| Birthplace | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Ecologist, Environmentalist, Author |
| Education | PhD in Ecology (Harvard University) |
| Institution | IISc Bengaluru |
| Known For | Gadgil Report, Western Ghats |
| Awards | Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, UNEP Champion of the Earth |
| Year of Death | 2026 |
Madhav Gadgil Biography
Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil was born on 24 May 1942 in Pune, Maharashtra. He came from a highly educated and intellectual family.
His father, Dhananjay Ramchandra Gadgil, was a famous economist and the creator of the “Gadgil Formula” used for sharing central funds with states. His mother, Pramila Gadgil, was a social worker.
From childhood, Madhav Gadgil was deeply connected to nature. He spent time observing plants, animals, forests, and hills, which later shaped his life’s work.
He completed his higher studies in India and later earned a PhD in Ecology from Harvard University. After spending some years abroad, he returned to India in the 1970s to serve the country through research and teaching.
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Age and Death Reason
Madhav Gadgil was 83 years old at the time of his death. He passed away on 7 January 2026 at his residence in Pune. According to family sources, he was suffering from age-related health issues and a short illness.
His death was peaceful, and his last rites were performed in Pune. Many scientists, environmental activists, students, and leaders paid tribute to him.
Family, Wife and Children
Madhav Gadgil belonged to a well-known academic family.
Wife
His wife, Sulochana Gadgil, is a respected climate scientist and meteorologist. She has worked with Indian scientific institutions and is also a Harvard graduate.
Both shared a strong bond, especially their love for mountains, forests, and nature-based research.
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Children
- He had one daughter (name not publicly disclosed)
- His children stayed away from the media and lived private lives
Madhav Gadgil always kept his family life simple and away from public attention.
Career Highlights
Madhav Gadgil’s career was fully dedicated to ecology and environmental policy.
- Returned to India in 1973
- Founded Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc Bengaluru
- Taught and guided hundreds of students
- Worked closely with local communities and forest groups
Western Ghats Expert Panel (Gadgil Report)
In 2010, the Government of India appointed him as the Chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP).
The report recommended:
- Strict protection of sensitive areas
- Limits on mining, construction, and deforestation
- Community participation in forest management
The report faced strong opposition and was not fully implemented, but it remains one of the most important environmental documents in India.
Books Written by Madhav Gadgil
Madhav Gadgil also expressed his ideas through books written in simple and thoughtful language.
Famous Books
- This Fissured Land (with Ramachandra Guha)
- Ecology and Equity
- The Use and Abuse of Nature
- Diversity: The Cornerstone of Life
- Ecological Journeys
- A Walk Up The Hill (2023 – autobiographical)
These books are still widely read by students, researchers, and environmental activists.
Madhav Gadgil Net Worth 2026
Madhav Gadgil was not a businessman or politician.
As of 2026, his estimated net worth was around: ₹1–5 Crore (Approx.)
Income Sources:
- Academic salary
- Research work
- Book royalties
- Awards and fellowships
He lived a very simple life and never focused on wealth or luxury.
Madhav Gadgil was a voice of conscience for India environment. He believed that nature should be protected, not exploited, and that development should respect ecology. Even after his death, his work continues to influence environmental debates, policies, and movements across India.
