Forest Department Negligence: Workers Still Awaiting Year-Old Wages in Balod, Chhattisgarh

According to reports, workers from the Duggabahara and Madwapathara forest committees under the Balod forest circle had undertaken various developmental projects in RF 60 forest areas during 2024. The scope of work included constructing barbed wire fencing, building check dams with sealing work, and creating fire lines to prevent forest fires. Despite completing these assignments, the laborers claim they have not received a single rupee in wages even as of October 2025.

The timing of the payment crisis has become particularly acute with Diwali approaching. Many workers depend on these wages for their families' festival expenses and basic needs. The prolonged delay has caused significant financial hardship, forcing them to seek the district administration's help as a last resort.

The aggrieved workers reported that they repeatedly approached their Range Officer and Forest Guards requesting wage disbursement over the past several months. However, instead of addressing their legitimate concerns, they allege that Forest Department officials, particularly the Forest Guards, displayed indifferent and even hostile behavior toward them. The workers claim they were subjected to rude treatment and their pleas were systematically ignored.

"We have tried multiple times to get our hard-earned money from the forest officials, but they neither listen to our problems nor show any willingness to resolve the issue," said one of the workers who participated in the appeal to the Collector. "When we approached the Forest Guard, we were treated badly instead of getting help. We have families to feed and festivals to celebrate, but without our wages, we are helpless."

The laborers emphasized that the work they performed was essential for forest conservation and protection—tasks that directly benefit the environment and local ecosystem. Fire lines help prevent devastating forest fires, while check dams aid in water conservation and soil management. Wire fencing protects vulnerable forest areas from encroachment and grazing animals. Despite the importance of their contribution, the workers feel their efforts have been disrespected by the administrative delays.

Forest workers in Chhattisgarh typically work under various employment schemes and departmental projects. The state has a significant forest-dependent population, and many rural families rely on forest-related wages as a crucial income source. Payment delays not only affect individual families but also undermine trust in government employment programs.

The workers submitted a formal complaint at the Collectorate, requesting immediate intervention to ensure payment before Diwali. They appealed to Collector to investigate why the Forest Department has failed to release funds despite the work being completed and verified more than a year ago. The petition also called for action against officials who allegedly mistreated them when they sought their rightful compensation.

As of now, the Forest Department has not issued any official statement regarding the payment delay or the allegations of misconduct by staff members. The workers remain hopeful that the Collector's intervention will expedite the resolution of their grievances and ensure they receive their pending wages without further delay.

This incident highlights broader concerns about wage payment mechanisms and accountability within government departments, particularly regarding contractual and casual workers who often lack the institutional support to address such grievances effectively.