Bengaluru: Amid a nationwide rise in human–wildlife conflict, the Union govt is set to roll out a renewed linear infrastructure policy aimed at streamlining development activities in protected areas while strengthening conservation safeguards. Speaking on the sidelines of the 2nd Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) workshop for International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) member countries in Bengaluru, Soumitra Dasgupta, director (programme), IBCA, said the updated policy would help align infrastructure growth with ecological protection. “The renewed framework will pave the way for improved conservation practices by integrating development and wildlife protection,” he said.
Dasgupta pointed to successful mitigation measures such as the elevated wildlife corridor through Pench Tiger Reserve and the tunnel project across Mukundra Tiger Reserve. He said the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is preparing the revised policy to regulate linear projects — including highways, railways and transmission lines — in ecologically sensitive landscapes. Interim studies by scientists monitoring these projects indicate that wildlife is gradually adapting to such mitigation structures, IBCA officials said.IBCA officials also highlighted Karnataka’s initiatives to address human–wildlife conflict, particularly its compensation framework. “Karnataka offers one of the highest compensation packages in the country. Bringing local communities on board is key to resolving conflict,” an official said, adding that growing political recognition of ecological challenges is giving conservation renewed momentum. “The new linear infrastructure policy will provide that much-needed push, especially in landscapes such as the northeastern and peninsular parts of India, where conflicts are on the rise due to developmental activities.”Dasgupta added sustained efforts over decades had paid off. “Despite population pressure and growing demand on forest resources, India today supports more diverse wildlife than most countries, including all major big cat species. The Bandipur–Nagarhole landscape is a prime example of this success,” he said. Delegates from 29 countries participating in the workshop will study these conservation models over the next four days.Meenakshi Negi, principal chief conservator of forests (head of forest force), Karnataka, outlined the state’s key challenges and solutions, noting that Karnataka blended technology with traditional practices to mitigate conflict and protect habitats.
