Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of the metal, has made a significant stride towards sustainable development by installing 321 solar streetlights across seven gram panchayats (GPs) in the Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts of Odisha. The initiative spans the GPs of Jharpalam, Mundelkhet, Garanjore, Kuraloi, Banjari, Lakhanpur, and Belpahar, bringing reliable and eco-friendly lighting to over 10,000 residents.
The project is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader sustainability mission, focusing on green infrastructure and improving the quality of life in its operational regions. Speaking about the initiative, Vedanta Aluminium Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sunil Gupta emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth. “This intervention is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader sustainability mission to foster green infrastructure and improve the quality of life in its operational regions. The solar lighting project reflects our focus on meeting the needs of underserved communities through infrastructural support,” he stated.
Shri Gupta further highlighted the wider impact of the project, adding, “These lights are not only illuminating villages, but are also lighting the path to socio-economic progress by empowering local businesses, improving mobility, and enhancing public safety.”
The newly installed solar streetlights are strategically located across marketplaces, village entrances, bus stands, community centers, schools, and main roads. This will not only enhance nighttime visibility and ensure greater safety for individuals navigating these areas but also significantly uplift the overall quality of life within the local communities.
The positive impact of the initiative has been well-received by the local communities. Sanyasi Bag, Sarpanch of Munderkhet GP in Hemgir Block (Sundargarh), expressed his appreciation, saying, “Vedanta’s initiative has not only brightened our villages, but has also made life safer for each one of us. We appreciate their efforts in fulfilling the specific needs of our community.”
Notably, this green initiative is also expected to contribute significantly to environmental conservation by reducing approximately 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional lighting.
Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to providing infrastructural support through this solar lighting project underscores its dedication to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in the regions where it operates, setting a positive example for corporate social responsibility in the state.