Uttar Pradesh Government Launches Intensive Month-Long Campaign for Forest and Wildlife Conservation Starting April 8
In a significant step toward environmental protection and ecological preservation, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced the commencement of Forest and Wildlife Protection Month starting from April 8. This special month-long observance will feature a large-scale, multi-agency campaign focused on safeguarding forest resources, curbing forest-related crimes, and enhancing wildlife protection efforts across the state.
A Coordinated Campaign for Forest Security and Wildlife Conservation
The comprehensive campaign, which will be conducted under the leadership of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, will also see the active participation of the state police force and security personnel stationed along the Indo-Nepal border. This cross-departmental collaboration aims to create a formidable network to tackle various environmental threats, such as illegal logging, encroachment, poaching, and other forms of forest-related criminal activities.
Round-the-Clock Vigilance Through Three Shifts
To ensure uninterrupted protection and surveillance, the campaign will operate in three distinct shifts daily, ensuring 24/7 vigilance:
- Morning shift: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Afternoon shift: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Night shift: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Dedicated teams will be deployed in every forest division, assigned specific responsibilities. These include monitoring forest areas, conducting patrols, enforcing forest laws, and preventing illegal activities. One of their key tasks will be identifying and removing encroachments on forest lands, which remain a persistent issue threatening biodiversity and forest health.
Focus Areas: Pilibhit and Dudhwa Among Priority Zones
Special attention will be given to ecologically sensitive regions such as Pilibhit and Dudhwa, both of which are known for their rich biodiversity and significant wildlife populations, including tigers and other endangered species. These areas will be under heightened surveillance, with intensified operations targeting unauthorized tree felling and timber smuggling. Forest officials aim to root out such illegal practices that pose a serious threat to the state’s natural heritage.
Involving the Public: Plantation Drives and Awareness Campaigns
In addition to enforcement actions, the campaign seeks to engage the public as active participants in forest conservation. Citizens will be encouraged to plant trees, take part in afforestation drives, and stay alert to activities that could harm the environment, such as forest fires or illegal wildlife trade. Community vigilance will be promoted to strengthen grassroots-level environmental protection.
Public awareness initiatives are also expected to run alongside the campaign, educating people on the importance of forests, wildlife conservation, and sustainable interaction with nature. These efforts are intended to build a sense of shared responsibility and promote a conservation-oriented mindset among residents, particularly those living near forest areas.
As part of the month-long drive, officials have indicated that surveillance mechanisms will be significantly ramped up. This may include drone monitoring, camera traps, and on-ground patrolling, particularly in vulnerable or high-risk zones. These tools will help forest personnel detect illegal movements and activities in real time, ensuring quick and effective response.
With the announcement of this month-long forest and wildlife protection initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government has reaffirmed its commitment to ecological sustainability and natural resource preservation. By integrating administrative action with community participation, the campaign aims to establish a more secure, green, and wildlife-friendly Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities hope that the outcomes of this extensive operation will not only lead to the reduction of forest crimes and protection of endangered species but will also foster long-term ecological balance and raise environmental consciousness throughout the s
