Lucknow: On the occasion of International Labour Day 2025, the Forest and Wildlife Department of Uttar Pradesh organised a special program at Maulshree Auditorium, Kukrail, Lucknow, to honour the tireless contributions of frontline forest workers and labourers. The event highlighted the critical role played by these individuals in the remote and difficult terrains of the state’s forest areas.
Chief Guest Anil Kumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated a health camp during the event and lauded the department’s initiative in recognising the efforts of labourers who are central to forestry operations.
“Forestry activities are labour-intensive by nature and demand a committed workforce to carry out tasks like sapling production, plantation, soil work, fencing, fire prevention, and wildlife protection. The welfare of these labourers is vital to sustainable forest management,” said Mr. Kumar.
To mark the occasion, celebrations were held not only in Lucknow but across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, and Meerut. In each district, five outstanding labourers working in forest nurseries were honoured for their dedication and exemplary service. As a token of appreciation, they were presented with umbrellas, towels, torches, water bottles, medicines, glucose, footwear, and sarees (for women labourers).
Prominent officials who attended the event included:
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Sunil Chaudhary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Department, Uttar Pradesh
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Deepak Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Planning & Agroforestry
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Ram Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Planning
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P.P. Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Publicity
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Renu Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Lucknow Division
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Sitanshu Pandey, Divisional Forest Officer, Awadh Forest Division, Lucknow
The event saw active participation from frontline staff and labourers working in the field, reaffirming the state’s commitment to their welfare and recognising their indispensable role in preserving forests and protecting wildlife.
