The Madhav Gadgil Committee was appointed in 2010 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) of the Indian government to assess the Western Ghats Ecology and recommend measures to conserve and protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. The committee submitted its report in 2011 and made several recommendations, including:

Identification of ecologically sensitive areas: The committee recommended the identification of ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats based on scientific criteria, such as the presence of endemic species, ecological fragility, and importance to local communities.

Restrictions on developmental activities: The committee recommended that developmental activities, such as mining, quarrying, and construction, be restricted in ecologically sensitive areas to protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.

Recognition of community rights: The committee recommended that the rights of local communities, including tribal communities, be recognized and their participation be ensured in decision-making processes related to the conservation and management of natural resources.

Conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems: The committee recommended the conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, to improve the ecological health of the region.

Strengthening of regulatory mechanisms: The committee recommended the strengthening of regulatory mechanisms, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, to ensure that developmental activities are carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Promotion of eco-friendly activities: The committee recommended the promotion of eco-friendly activities, such as ecotourism, organic farming, and sustainable forestry, to generate livelihood opportunities for local communities and promote conservation.

The Gadgil Committee report was aimed at conserving and protecting the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Western Ghats region, while ensuring the participation and rights of local communities. However, the report faced significant opposition from some states and interest groups, and a subsequent committee, the Kasturirangan Committee, was appointed to review the recommendations and suggest a more balanced approach.