Vedanta brings light and hope to 10,000 rural lives in Odisha with solar streetlight initiative

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 12, 2025

In a landmark step toward fostering sustainable development and community empowerment, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has illuminated the lives of over 10,000 rural residents in Odisha by installing 321 solar-powered streetlights across seven gram panchayats in the Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts.

This green energy intervention spans the gram panchayats of Jharpalam, Mundelkhet, Garanjore, Kuraloi, Banjari, Lakhanpur, and Belpahar — strategically lighting up key public areas such as village entrances, markets, bus stands, community centres, schools, and main thoroughfares. By improving visibility and safety during nighttime hours, the project is poised to enhance mobility, spur local economic activity, and significantly improve the quality of life for residents.

Speaking on the initiative, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “We are deeply committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth in the regions where we operate. This intervention is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader sustainability mission to foster green infrastructure and improve the quality of life in our operational areas. The solar lighting project reflects our focus on meeting the needs of underserved communities through infrastructural support.”

He further emphasized that the initiative is more than just about lighting streets: “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.”

Community leaders have also lauded the initiative for its tangible impact. Sanyasi Bag, Sarpanch of Munderkhet GP in Hemgir Block (Sundargarh), shared, “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.”

Apart from its social benefits, the solar lighting project is expected to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. By replacing traditional lighting with solar alternatives, the project is set to reduce approximately 22 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, aligning with India’s broader climate action goals and Vedanta’s own decarbonization roadmap.

This initiative stands as a beacon of Vedanta’s enduring commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable rural transformation — empowering communities while protecting the planet.