The Gadgil dilemma: Kerala floods a result of governance failures?

The notable ecologist correctly ascribed the disaster to governance failures, but his own panel's recommendations may not have been the right solution

Last week, a well-recognised doyen of ecological studies, Madhav Gadgil sparked a controversy by saying that the Kerala floods were partly a result of governance failures. He took a side-swipe at state authorities claiming the damage from extreme rains would not have been as bad had the states implemented recommendations of a committee he chaired in 2011 — the Western Ghats Ecology Experts Group.

He said, “Our recommendations would have been accepted in any law-abiding society that believes in good governance. Unfortunately, we have a lawless society and extremely poor governance.”

Gadgil’s words found immediate resonance with many. He could