The foundations of India's landmark Biodiversity Act of 2002 were significantly shaped by a pivotal national conference held in the heart of what is now Jharkhand, chaired by the late eminent biologist Madhav Gadgil. This crucial meeting, which fine-tuned the outcomes of a nationwide UN-backed project, took place at Betla National Park in the late 1990s, a period when the region was still part of undivided Bihar.
The Seminal Betla Conference
In the mid-1990s, India undertook a groundbreaking nationwide survey known as the Biodiversity Conservation Prioritisation Project (BCPP), sponsored by the United Nations. To finalise the outcomes of this ambitious project, a three-day national seminar-cum-conference was organised at Betla National Park. This event, chaired by Professor Madhav Gadgil, brought together experts to refine proposals that would later become instrumental in national policy.
Recalling the historic event, D S Srivastava, a Jharkhand-based wildlife expert who completed his PhD under Gadgil's guidance, highlighted its importance. "My organisation, the Nature Conservation Society (NCS), was the nodal agency for the entire state of Bihar for the first-ever biodiversity register survey. Gadgil saab led it nationally," Srivastava stated. He emphasised that the concept of biodiversity registers was novel in India at the time, but Gadgil championed the cause relentlessly.
A Philosophy of Trust and Local Knowledge
Gadgil's approach to conservation was deeply rooted in community participation and respect for indigenous practices. Srivastava shared insights from Gadgil's field visits within the Palamu Tiger Reserve, where he studied forest dwellers and tribal communities, particularly Sarna groups. "He often believed that modern laws for ecology and its conservation wouldn't succeed unless one takes local customs and practices into account," Srivastava explained. This core philosophy—that saving nature requires trusting people—defined his work.
Despite his monumental contribution, Gadgil's formal association with Jharkhand faced obstacles. After the state's formation, there were plans to include him in the state planning commission. However, these plans fizzled out due to bureaucratic hurdles. Nevertheless, Gadgil continued to engage with the region in his individual capacity, visiting on several occasions to assist in conservation efforts and understand the local populace.
A Lasting Legacy for India's Environment
The proposals finalised at the Betla seminar directly served as the foundation for the Biodiversity Act, 2002, a cornerstone of India's environmental legislation. Gadgil's work established a framework for documenting and conserving biological diversity through local biodiversity registers.
Reflecting on his legacy, Firoz Ahmad, former vice-chancellor of Nilamber Pitamber University, remarked on Gadgil's unparalleled commitment. "As Gadgil's commitment to environmental conservation is unparalleled, he deserves better treatment by the country," Ahmad said. Madhav Gadgil passed away in Pune on January 7, 2024, at the age of 83, leaving behind a profound and enduring impact on India's ecological conservation narrative.
