Vedanta Aluminium unveils a comprehensive suite of initiatives on Biodiversity Day to safeguard wildlife and restore habitats across its operations

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 22, 2025

On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, has launched a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and revitalizing natural habitats across its operational regions. These initiatives encompass a wide array of impactful actions, including the rescue and safe release of over a thousand reptiles and small wildlife species, the development of greenbelts, the organization of pond cleaning drives, the reintroduction of native species, large-scale afforestation projects, and educational outreach efforts to engage local communities in ecological conservation.

This year’s theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” resonates deeply with Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to harmonizing industrial growth with environmental stewardship. To strengthen these efforts, the company has collaborated with PwC India to revise its Biodiversity Management Plans at various operational sites. These updated plans align with Vedanta’s overarching strategy to restore ecological balance and achieve its goal of No Net Loss (NNL) in biodiversity across its operations.

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In a statement reflecting on the company’s ongoing biodiversity efforts, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Our commitment to biodiversity transcends regulatory requirements — it’s embedded in the very core of our operations. Over the past year, we’ve made remarkable progress in protecting and nurturing the ecosystems surrounding our facilities. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building a positive environmental legacy for future generations, collaborating with our partners and local communities to ensure that biodiversity continues to be integral to our growth trajectory.”

At the company’s flagship aluminium plant in Jharsuguda, Odisha, celebrations for the International Day for Biological Diversity include extensive pond restoration initiatives across 30 villages. This community-driven project aims to enhance water quality while supporting thriving aquatic ecosystems, reinforcing Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to both environmental and community welfare. Additionally, the company is leading a green initiative to plant trees along a 1.2 km stretch of road, contributing further to the region’s green cover. Plans are also in motion to renovate and beautify two local gardens, providing vibrant green spaces for the community to enjoy and engage with nature.

In Sundargarh, Odisha, at its Jamkhani coal operations, Vedanta Aluminium is pioneering the Miyawaki method of afforestation. This innovative approach involves planting a dense mix of native trees, sub-trees, and shrubs to create self-sustaining, fast-growing forests. The project has already seen the planting of 3.65 lakh saplings over 18 hectares along the mine’s perimeter, transforming the area into a biodiversity hotspot and serving as a model for sustainable land reclamation practices in mining regions.

At BALCO, Vedanta Aluminium’s plant in Korba, Chhattisgarh, a dedicated Animal Rescue Team, equipped with trained snake-handlers, responds rapidly to wildlife emergencies within the smelter, surrounding township, and nearby areas. In the past year alone, the team has rescued and safely released over a thousand snakes and small animals. Furthermore, the company has rehabilitated more than 60 hectares of dormant tailing dams by planting a variety of native species, including Siras, Sheesam, Karanj, Gulmohar, and Neem.

Vedanta Aluminium also places a high priority on environmental education and community engagement. The company regularly conducts outreach programs for local schoolchildren and the families of employees, engaging them in activities such as tree planting, nature walks, and awareness campaigns like “Hug-a-Tree” and human-chain events. These programs are designed to cultivate a lasting sense of environmental responsibility and deepen the connection between future generations and the natural world.

Through these comprehensive and multi-faceted initiatives, which range from wildlife rescue and habitat restoration to scientific afforestation and community engagement, Vedanta Aluminium continues to set new benchmarks for sustainable development in the industry. These ongoing efforts reflect the company’s conviction that economic progress and environmental preservation must go hand in hand, ensuring a more sustainable, resilient future for all. This aligns with Vedanta’s broader vision of “Transforming for Good,” which seeks to create lasting positive change not just within its operations, but for the planet as a whole, under its guiding principle of “Transforming the Planet.”