The Business Bytes
Jharsuguda, July 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, conducted a mass plantation drive in Jharsuguda as part of the Government of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), saw the planting of over 2,000 saplings across 2.5 acres of land, involving the joint efforts of the district administration, local schoolchildren, and employee volunteers.
The company aims to plant more than 1 lakh saplings across 50 acres in Jharsuguda this year, underscoring its commitment to conserving and promoting local ecosystems. The ‘Matri Van’ was established in Kapumal, a reclaimed ash dyke in Jharsuguda, with saplings including Neem, Karanj, Arjun, and Sesame.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day 2024, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign aims to boost the nation’s green cover and encourage citizens to adopt environmentally conscious lifestyles.
The event in Jharsuguda was inaugurated virtually by Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhara Tripathi, with the presence of Jharsuguda Collector and District Magistrate Aboli Sunil Naravane, Superintendent of Police Parmar Smit Parshottamdas, District Forest Officer Manu Ashok Bhatt, and other senior officials, NGO representatives, students, and Self Help Group (SHG) members.
Fly ash, a by-product of thermal power production, is increasingly utilized in applications such as brick making and road construction, contributing to a circular economy. After undergoing a multi-stage preparatory process including soil covering, stabilization, and landscaping, ash dykes can be sustainably repurposed for tree plantation.
Emphasizing the company’s commitment to environmental conservation, Vedanta Aluminium COO Sunil Gupta said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we embrace environmental conservation as a cornerstone of our sustainable business practices. Our initiatives aim to conserve and nurture thriving natural ecosystems while educating communities on best practices. We are proud to support the Government of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, reflecting our commitment to offsetting emissions and promoting environmental stewardship. We strive to pioneer eco-conscious approaches that safeguard our planet for generations to come.”
Lauding Vedanta’s efforts, MLA Tankadhara Tripathi said, “I commend Vedanta for supporting us in this endeavor. Preserving nature is not only an environmental imperative but also a shared responsibility and a strategic interest for both businesses and society. Together, let us create a happier, healthier, and greener environment for our communities.”
“I thank the Vedanta team for this plantation drive. As one of the leading natural resource companies, they have taken a step in the right direction. Protection of existing trees and planting and protecting new ones is the need of the hour, and I appreciate Vedanta for its active participation in the drive. We wish them success and hope that they take Jharsuguda to new heights of socio-economic development,” said Jharsuguda Collector Aboli Sunil Naravane.
Superintendent of Police Parmar Smit Parshottamdas added, “Vedanta Jharsuguda’s participation in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative is a shining example of corporate social responsibility in action. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering a healthier ecosystem and improving the quality of life for future generations. I hope this inspires other organizations and individuals to join hands in preserving our natural heritage.”
Vedanta Aluminium has embarked on several nature conservation projects in Jharsuguda, achieving significant milestones. These include establishing a lush new Butterfly Park within its premises, hosting over 100 plant species to attract and nurture more than 30 rare and exquisite butterfly species, providing them with a nurturing habitat. The park supports local flora and fauna, including rare flowering plants, birds, and bees. The company has also undertaken a plantation drive focused on the vulnerable tree species, Chloroxylon Swietenia, restored 30 community ponds in the last two financial years, constructed signage boards on wildlife movement to protect species such as deer and elephants in animal corridors, and conducted street plays (Nukkad Nataks) to spread awareness about nature conservation through drama and storytelling.
Through these initiatives, Vedanta Aluminium demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, setting a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in India.
