The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, MARCH 28, 2025
Vedanta Aluminium has taken a major step in improving community health and hygiene through its flagship “Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene” (WASH) initiative. The company has installed bio-toilets, solar-powered bore-wells, and water purifiers across key locations in the Kuraloi region of Jharsuguda district, benefiting over 5,500 community members.
The initiative aims to address critical issues such as access to potable water and hygienic sanitation infrastructure, especially in areas facing water scarcity and high iron content in groundwater.
At the inaugural function of this transformative project, Belpahar Municipality Chairman Nimay Charan Panda underscored the region’s pressing need for these solutions. “Access to potable water is a vital community requirement in these regions due to the high levels of iron content present in the ground water. Since scarcity of water and lack of hygienic sanitation infrastructure was another pressing need, especially with the onset of harsh summer months, I thank Vedanta Aluminium for addressing these critical needs and promoting health, hygiene, and sustainable development in our region,” said Panda.
The installation of bio-toilets, a key aspect of the WASH initiative, is expected to greatly improve sanitation conditions. These bio-toilets are strategically located in schools, Anganwadi centres, and community health centres. The systems operate through an anaerobic bio-digester technology, where specially developed bacteria break down waste, converting it into water, methane, and carbon dioxide. This process eliminates the need for manual desludging, ensuring a hygienic and sustainable solution for waste management.
In addition to bio-toilets, Vedanta has installed solar-powered bore-wells and water purifiers, significantly enhancing the region’s access to clean drinking water. These efforts are pivotal in promoting public health and hygiene, offering much-needed relief to local communities that previously struggled with unsafe water sources.
David Stone, CEO of Coal Mines at Vedanta, highlighted the alignment of these efforts with global sustainability goals. “Our efforts are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation,” said Stone. “By enhancing access to safe drinking water and improving sanitation infrastructure in these regions, we aim to create healthier, more resilient communities and drive sustainable development in the areas where we operate,” he said
Through this comprehensive approach, Vedanta Aluminium continues to make a significant impact on improving the quality of life in Jharsuguda, driving both environmental sustainability and community well-being.
