The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, September 20, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a compassionate move to support bereaved families and ensure a dignified final journey for the deceased, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has introduced a “free hearse service” at the Laxmipur Community Health Centre (CHC) in the rural areas of Odisha’s Koraput district. The initiative will benefit residents across 100 villages surrounding the Kodingamalli mines, providing a crucial service at no cost.
The hearse service was formally flagged off by Laxmipur MLA, Pabitra Saunta, along with other dignitaries, marking the beginning of an essential service for the local community. Since its launch, the service has already aided 10 families and is set to cover 100 villages across four blocks in the tribal-dominated region.
“This hearse service is a symbol of compassion,” said MLA Pabitra Saunta during the inauguration. “In moments of profound loss, families should not have to worry about the financial and logistical challenges of transporting their loved ones. Vedanta’s initiative ensures that every final journey is conducted with respect and dignity,” he added.
One of the first beneficiaries of the service, Manireamala Garada, expressed his gratitude, saying: “When my wife passed away, I didn’t know how I could afford transportation for her final rites with my limited resources. This service was a blessing during such a painful time. It not only eased the financial burden but ensured my wife’s final journey was dignified. My family and I are deeply grateful for this support.”
The free hearse service addresses a critical need in remote areas where transportation options are limited and costly. By providing this service, Vedanta Aluminium aims to relieve families of both emotional and financial pressures during their time of loss.
This initiative is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader commitment to community development in the region, which includes improving access to essential services. The company’s ongoing efforts in education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture have made a significant impact on the local population.
In addition to the hearse service, Vedanta also operates mobile health units, offering free medical check-ups and healthcare awareness campaigns in rural Odisha. These initiatives underscore the company’s dedication to transforming lives within its operational areas and beyond.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s leading aluminium producer, manufacturing over half of the country’s total aluminium production, with 2.37 million tonnes produced in FY24. The company is renowned for its sustainability practices, having ranked first in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 for the aluminium industry. Through its world-class smelters, refineries, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium is leading the charge in promoting aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a more sustainable tomorrow.
