The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MARCH 20, 2024
On the occasion of the International Day of Forests, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, unveiled its extensive endeavours to safeguard the ecology in and around its operations in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to conserving and enhancing biodiversity, the company has undertaken significant initiatives.
At its BALCO operations in Korba district of Chhattisgarh, Vedanta Aluminium has achieved a remarkable feat by completing afforestation on five reclaimed ash dykes. These dykes, once filled to capacity, have now been repurposed into lush green spaces spanning over 150 hectares, through the diligent planting of nearly 2 lakh saplings. This transformation underscores the potential for sustainable reclamation of areas previously devoid of forest cover, utilizing fly ash – a byproduct of thermal power production.
The meticulous process of reclamation involves several stages, including soil covering, stabilization, and landscaping to create a conducive environment for forest ecosystems. Native tree species such as Karanj, Sheesham, Neem, Amsol, and Gulmohar now thrive in these rejuvenated landscapes, ensuring a rich tapestry of biodiversity.
In Jharsuguda, Odisha, home to Vedanta Aluminium’s mega aluminium plant, the company has embarked on a mission to plant vulnerable tree species, including Chloroxylon swietenia, in the region. Furthermore, pioneering the Miyawaki method, Vedanta Aluminium has initiated extensive afforestation efforts near its Jamkhani coal mines in Sundargarh district, Odisha. This approach has yielded a self-sustaining plantation comprising over 8,000 plants, including various fruit-bearing species.
These initiatives align with Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The company has implemented comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) across its operations, in collaboration with ERM India, a reputable environmental consulting firm. These plans serve as roadmaps for conserving and enhancing biodiversity, with a vision to achieve Net Positive Impact (NPI) on biodiversity by 2030.
John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “At Vedanta Aluminium, our sustainability efforts go well beyond just improving the environment; they encompass a definitive vision for a sustainable planet.We particularly recognize the critical role of biodiversity conservation in responsible business operations, and therefore aim for environmentally conscious practices, in pursuit of the preservation of the planet for coming generations.These encompass efforts both within our plant premises and beyond, ensuring the wellbeing of the varied ecosystems we are a part of.”
To commemorate the International Day of Forests, Vedanta Aluminium conducted various awareness initiatives among its employees and local communities. These efforts included organizing awareness sessions in collaboration with Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) in Jharsuguda, Odisha, and setting up fruit orchards at its Korba township, comprising native fruit-bearing trees.
Under the “Mor Jal, Mor Maati” initiative, Vedanta Aluminium has established mango orchards in nearby communities, benefiting marginalized farmers. Additionally, the company conducted cleanliness drives in verdant forests and waterfalls, combating the menace of littering.
In Lanjigarh, Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium distributed over 200 fruit tree saplings among community members, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. At its Mines unit, employees engaged in a photography competition aimed at capturing the beauty of the natural world, accompanied by screenings of nature documentaries and sapling plantation drives.
As a business entity of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium stands as India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing over half of the nation’s aluminium output. Renowned for its sustainable development practices, Vedanta Aluminium continues to spearhead the adoption of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future,’ driving towards a greener tomorrow with its world-class facilities and innovative solutions.
