Examining Wildlife Safeguards for Linear Infrastructure Development in India: Bridging Policy and Practice Gaps

ABSTRACT Linear infrastructure projects such as highways, railways, and power lines are expanding rapidly across Asia, posing significant threats to biodiversity. This study examines the policy‐practice gap in wildlife safeguards within the context of India's legal and regulatory frameworks for linear infrastructure. Using legal and policy research, it analyzes environmental laws, policies, and court cases. Findings reveal that while India has a robust regulatory framework, including mandatory environmental clearances, gaps persist in implementation, monitoring, and enforcement. Case studies, such as the Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park and Char Dham Highway projects, show the critical role of judicial interventions in addressing compliance failures and enforcing wildlife‐friendly measures. The paper highlights the need for a more transparent and participatory process, strengthened legal frameworks, comprehensive environmental impact assessments, and enhanced local community engagement. These recommendations offer actionable insights for bridging the policy‐practice gap and fostering biodiversity‐friendly infrastructure development in Asia.