The Business Bytes
Jharsuguda, September 28, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has successfully concluded a week-long Swachhata Abhiyan in Jharsuguda, as part of the Government of India’s ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ initiative. This campaign focused on improving public spaces, raising awareness about waste management, and promoting green practices, all in alignment with the company’s broader sustainability strategy. The initiative featured large-scale clean-up drives, waste-to-art competitions, and tree plantations, significantly enhancing community hygiene while instilling a sense of environmental responsibility among participants. Over 1,300 Vedanta employees, students, and community members took part in the effort.
This week-long campaign underscores Vedanta’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, expressed his views on the initiative, stating, “Our Swachhata Abhiyan embodies Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to building a cleaner and greener Jharsuguda. By combining clean-up efforts, creative competitions, and tree plantation, we are not only enhancing public spaces but also nurturing environmental consciousness among the community, especially the younger generation. It is heartening to see the collaborative efforts of our employees and local communities in making this initiative a success.”
Aboli Sunil Naravane, District Magistrate and Collector of Jharsuguda, said, “Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts in the Swachhata Abhiyan are a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. By joining hands with local authorities and communities, Vedanta has helped strengthen our collective commitment to maintaining cleanliness and improving public spaces in Jharsuguda.”
Tankadhar Tripathy, MLA of Jharsuguda, commended the initiative, saying, “Efforts like the ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ set a strong precedent for how industries can play an active role in local development, particularly in fostering civic responsibility and environmental sustainability. By involving school students and the wider community, this initiative has not only improved the cleanliness of public spaces but also instilled a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens. Such initiatives are key to building a cleaner, greener Jharsuguda and fostering a culture of sustainability for future generations.”
Vedanta Aluminium continues to lead in environmental sustainability by adopting world-class technologies that reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and minimize its environmental footprint. The company’s initiatives are aligned with global efforts to combat climate change and protect the ozone layer, further demonstrating its commitment to responsible production practices. As a recognition of its sustainability leadership, Vedanta Aluminium secured the top rank in the prestigious S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) rankings for the aluminium industry in 2023.
Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, produced 2.37 million tonnes of aluminium in FY24, accounting for more than half of India’s total aluminium production. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products, which find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium’s top ranking in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 reflects its commitment to sustainable development. With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium is advancing the use of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
