Renowned ecologist and environmentalist Madhav Gadgil passed away at the age of 83 after a brief illness, leading to renewed discussions on his pioneering 2011 Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) report. This report highlighted the need for strict conservation in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region, but it faced significant opposition from states and industries, resulting in its partial implementation through a diluted version.
What Was Madhav Gadgil's Background and Role in Environmental Conservation?
Madhav Gadgil was a prominent Indian ecologist born in 1942, known for his work in ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
He founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru and received awards like the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his contributions.
In 2010, the Ministry of Environment and Forests appointed him to head the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) to study the region's ecology and suggest protection measures.
What Is the Western Ghats and Why Is It Important?
The Western Ghats is a mountain range along India's western coast, stretching 1,600 km through six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's eight biodiversity hotspots, home to over 5,000 plant species and endangered animals like tigers and lion-tailed macaques.
The region acts as a water tower for peninsular India, feeding major rivers and supporting agriculture, but faces threats from deforestation, mining, and urbanization.
What Was the Purpose of the Gadgil Committee (WGEEP)?
The WGEEP was formed in March 2010 to evaluate the ecological status of the Western Ghats and recommend ways to conserve it while allowing sustainable development.
The panel included experts from various fields and consulted local communities, scientists, and officials over 14 months.
Its goal was to prevent environmental degradation in this fragile area, which had seen increasing landslides and floods due to human activities.
What Were the Key Recommendations of the WGEEP Report?
The report divided the Western Ghats into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ-1, ESZ-2, ESZ-3) based on ecological vulnerability, covering about 64% of the area.
In ESZ-1 (highly sensitive), it banned large-scale mining, thermal power plants, and polluting industries, and restricted hydropower projects above 25 MW.
It promoted community-led governance, suggesting Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) have a say in development projects to ensure local benefits.
The panel recommended phasing out chemical pesticides in plantations and promoting organic farming to protect soil and water.
Why Did the Gadgil Report Face Strong Opposition?
States like Kerala and Karnataka argued the report's restrictions would halt economic growth, affecting mining, tourism, and agriculture that employ millions.
Political leaders and industries claimed it was too strict, labeling large areas as sensitive without considering local needs, leading to protests from farmers and workers.
Churches in Kerala opposed it, fearing impacts on settlements, while the report was criticized for not consulting enough stakeholders during preparation.
The central government found it impractical, leading to its rejection in favor of a more balanced approach.
What Was the Kasturirangan Panel and How Did It Differ from Gadgil's Report?
In 2012, the government set up a High-Level Working Group led by K Kasturirangan to review the Gadgil report due to widespread criticism.
The Kasturirangan panel reduced ESA coverage to 37% (from 64%), allowing more areas for development while protecting core zones.
It permitted hydropower projects and green industries in less sensitive areas, making it more acceptable to states but criticized by environmentalists for diluting protections.
The panel's recommendations were partially notified in 2013, but full implementation remains pending due to state objections.
What Has Been the Long-Term Impact of the Gadgil Report?
Though not fully adopted, it raised awareness about the Western Ghats' fragility, influencing policies like ESA notifications in 2018 for parts of the region.
Disasters like the 2018 Kerala floods and 2024 Wayanad landslides have validated Gadgil's warnings about unchecked development causing environmental harm.
It sparked debates on sustainable development, emphasizing the need for balancing ecology with economy in biodiversity hotspots.
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