The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, September 19, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd. (DCBL), a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Ltd. and one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Pollution Control Appreciation Award – 2024’ by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB). This recognition highlights the company’s ongoing efforts in implementing effective pollution control measures and sustainable management practices at its Lanjiberna Limestone and Dolomite Mines in Odisha.
The award was presented by Odisha’s Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, in the presence of State Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, and OSPCB Member Secretary Dr. K. Murugesan. On behalf of DCBL, AED and Head – Mines Om Prakash Rao Khelkar received the award.
Commenting on the achievement, DCBL Executive Director & Rajgangpur Unit Head Chetan Srivastava said, “At Dalmia Bharat, sustainability lies at the core of all our operations. We are committed to responsible mining and environmental management practices, and prioritize the adoption of fuel-efficient machinery, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation. This award reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship and our dedication to making a positive and lasting impact on the environment and the communities we serve.”
Dalmia Bharat’s Lanjiberna mines have set new benchmarks in sustainable mining, adopting a range of eco-friendly practices. These include the use of fuel-efficient Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, and the employment of non-conventional mining techniques that eliminate the need for drilling and blasting. The company’s zero-waste mining approach is further bolstered by the integration of renewable energy sources like solar power and Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS), with 78 percent of fuel needs met through green alternatives.
Water conservation is another top priority, with DCBL harvesting over 20 lakh cubic metres of rainwater annually. The company also maintains a rigorous air quality monitoring system (AAQMS) and engages in extensive afforestation activities beyond the mining areas to enrich biodiversity.
To further promote sustainability, Dalmia Bharat organizes awareness campaigns during Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Week and World Environment Day.
As a pioneer of ‘green initiatives’ in the global cement sector, Dalmia Bharat is proud to be the first cement company to commit to becoming carbon-negative by 2040.
