With profound grief and sorrow, Wetlands International South Asia informs about the sad demise of Prof Brij Gopal, a renowned ecologist, on 4th January, 2021.
Prof Gopal’s contributions in the field of aquatic ecology are well-known. He had over 250 research papers, 45 authored/edited books and more than 70 other articles to his credit. In his career spanning over four decades, he wrote extensively on issues related to wetlands classification and inventory, ecology, catchment and hydrological interactions, and management.
Prof Gopal was involved in editorial positions in a number of scientific journals, and served on several committees constituted by the Government of India and state governments. He strongly voiced the need for conserving river ecology and interactions with floodplains, and drafted the River Regulation Zone framework. Prof Gopal founded the Center for Inland Waters in South Asia and served as the Chairman of the National Institute of Ecology. He also served as an esteemed Honorary member of the Wetlands International South Asia Society.
Prof Brij Gopal’s untimely death is mourned by the entire Wetlands International South Asia family. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of Prof Gopal and pray to the Almighty that his soul rests in peace.