Lighting company Signify has announced the expansion of its flagship CSR initiative, Har Gaon Roshan, aimed at improving safety and resilience in villages located near forest areas in Uttar Pradesh. The company shared the progress of the programme during an event on human-animal conflict held at Dudhwa National Park.

As part of the initiative, Signify presented a Letter of Intent for the installation of 1,500 additional LED streetlights across 67 villages in the Katarniaghat landscape, an area that witnesses a high incidence of human-wildlife conflict. The company said the project aligns with its #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision and is being implemented in partnership with BharatCares.

Stakeholders Discuss Human-Wildlife Conflict Challenges

The Human-Animal Conflict: Challenges and Future Strategy event was attended by Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State (Independent Charge), and K.P. Malik, Minister of State in the Forest, Environment and Zoological Parks Department of the Uttar Pradesh government.

Senior officials, including V. Hekali Zhimomi, Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, and Anuradha Vemuri, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), also participated in the event alongside policymakers, conservation experts and members of the Tharu tribal community.

Discussions focused on the challenges faced by residents of forest fringe villages, where a range of factors contribute to the risk of human-wildlife encounters.

Har Gaon Roshan Reaches More Than 400 Villages

Signify said its Har Gaon Roshan programme has positively impacted more than 400 villages located around forest areas in the Terai region since 2019.

According to the company, over 9,000 LED streetlights have been installed across 400 villages in Uttar Pradesh, including areas in and around the Pilibhit, Dudhwa and Amangarh Tiger Reserves, the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and districts such as Nagina, Chitrakoot and Bahraich.

During the event, the company also launched a coffee table book documenting the impact of its recent work in and around Dudhwa National Park. The publication features stories highlighting how improved access to lighting has contributed to safer public spaces and enhanced community resilience.

Minister Calls for Collaborative Solutions

Addressing the gathering, Dr Arun Kumar Saxena highlighted the growing challenge posed by human-wildlife conflict in forest landscapes and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts involving government departments, experts, civil society organisations, CSR initiatives and local communities.

He commended Signify for supporting community safety and rural development through the Har Gaon Roshan programme and welcomed the company’s decision to expand the initiative to more forest fringe villages across Uttar Pradesh.

Signify said it remains committed to supporting rural communities with lighting solutions designed to improve safety, strengthen resilience and contribute to sustainable development outcomes.

Signify Highlights Global Presence

Signify, listed on Euronext under the symbol LIGHT, describes itself as the global leader in lighting solutions for consumers and professionals. Its portfolio includes brands such as Philips, Philips Hue, Interact, Philips Dynalite and Color Kinetics.

The company reported sales of EUR 5.8 billion in 2025 and said it employs around 27,000 people across more than 70 markets worldwide.

Signify is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and holds an EcoVadis Platinum rating, reflecting its focus on sustainability and responsible business practices.

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