2023 · Policy Analysis
Madhav Gadgil – Kasturi Rangan Reports Analysis
Policy Analysis Environmental Science Research
Madhav Gadgil – Kasturi Rangan Reports Analysis
BITS Pilani | Apr 2023
Policy Analysis Environmental Science Western Ghats Conservation
Project Overview
Conducted comprehensive analysis of two landmark environmental policy reports concerning the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Key Contributions
Comparative Analysis: Compared methodologies, zoning recommendations, and stakeholder considerations between the Gadgil (2011) and Kasturirangan (2013) committee reports
Implementation Assessment: Analyzed implementation gaps and state-level adoption patterns, identifying political and economic barriers to ecologically sensitive area (ESA) enforcement
Policy Recommendations: Proposed hybrid policy framework balancing biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihood needs of indigenous communities
Background
The Western Ghats spans 1,600 km across six Indian states and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports represent contrasting approaches to conservation:
| Aspect | Gadgil Report | Kasturirangan Report |
|---|---|---|
| ESA Coverage | 64% of Western Ghats | 37% of Western Ghats |
| Approach | Stricter conservation | Balanced development |
| Zoning | 3 zones | 2 zones |
| Community Role | High participation | Moderate participation |
Key Findings
- Policy implementation varies significantly across states
- Economic pressures often override conservation mandates
- Community engagement is critical for sustainable conservation
- Hybrid approaches may offer best path forward