Madhav Gadgil, a renowned ecologist and conservationist, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 83. He was celebrated for his innovative approaches to environmental conservation, particularly in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Western Ghats, where he emphasized the importance of incorporating local communities in ecological practices. Despite his significant contributions, some of his recommendations faced skepticism from local populations who felt threatened by his conservation strategies.