The Business Bytes
Jamkhani (Odisha), May 9, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a significant stride towards sustainable community development, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has illuminated the remote villages of Jamkhani, Girisma, Munderkhet, Jharpalam, and Hemgir in the Sundargarh district of Odisha. The installation of 100 solar-powered streetlights along a 6-Km stretch underscores Vedanta’s commitment to fostering eco-friendly solutions and enhancing the quality of life for rural communities.
1369901546
The initiative aims to provide reliable and environmentally friendly lighting solutions in areas where access to electricity has traditionally been limited. By illuminating critical points such as schools, water points, wells, crossings, and transportation routes, the solar-powered streetlights ensure safer journeys and improved visibility during nighttime, contributing to overall community safety and well-being.
The placement of these streetlights was meticulously planned in consultation with local villagers and committee members. This collaborative effort ensured that the installation addresses the specific needs and priorities of each community, reflecting Vedanta’s dedication to community-centric development.
Vedanta Aluminium CEO (Mines), V. Srikanth, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainable social impact initiatives, stating, “At Vedanta Aluminium, our community welfare initiatives are designed based on the needs of the region we serve. We are committed to ingraining sustainable practices and implementing them beyond business operations. Our solar-powered illumination initiative is a conscious effort to weave together environmental stewardship and community welfare. The widespread appreciation from the community members reinforces our belief in the positive impact of eco-conscious initiatives.”
Community members, including Tularam Kawar, a Village Committee member from Jamkhani, expressed their gratitude for Vedanta’s proactive role in rural development. “Vedanta’s initiative has not only brightened our villages but also made them safer. We appreciate their efforts in fulfilling the specific needs of our community,” said Kawar.
Beyond the solar-powered streetlights project, Vedanta Aluminium’s Mines team is actively engaged in various sustainable development initiatives, including education, healthcare, livelihood, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. Notable among these efforts is the establishment of Vedanta Nand Ghars, modernized anganwadis serving as dynamic community hubs for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s leading producer of aluminium, accounting for more than half of the country’s aluminium production. Renowned for its value-added aluminium products and sustainable development practices, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to driving socio-economic transformation in rural Odisha and beyond.
With world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium is spearheading the adoption of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. The company’s recognition as the top performer in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 underscores its commitment to sustainable development and responsible business practices.
