UN selects Madhav Gadgil for Champions of the Earth award
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New Delhi: Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has been selected by the United Nations on Tuesday for the annual Champions of the Earth award. Gadgil, who was recognized by the UN with its highest environmental honour, was awarded for his seminal work in the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats is a biodiversity spot, PTI reported.
Gadgil was the only Indian on the list of this year's award recipients.
He chaired the government-constituted Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel to study the impact of population pressure, climate change, and development activities on the ecologically fragile region in India.
The panel recommended in 2011 that the entire hill range be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) and divided into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ 1, 2, and 3) based on their environmental sensitivity.
It also recommended a ban on mining, quarrying, new thermal power plants, hydropower projects, and large-scale wind energy projects in ESZ 1. However, these recommendations faced opposition from state governments, industries, and local communities.
Gadgil told PTI that he was happy that he stood up for what was right in the case of the Western Ghats.
"There are not many who would write very honest reports, including official reports like the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, which provide very concrete facts and bring out a clear picture. It is available for people to look at, understand the issues, and engage in at least some good, honest discussion," the 82-year-old nature scientist said.
"I can certainly feel happy for standing up and writing such a report, which nobody ever writes," he said.