From Dust to Development: Kalahandi’s Rise

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 11, 2025

Kalahandi district in southwestern Odisha, rich in cultural heritage and natural resources, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Known for its tribal artistry, especially Dhokra and Saura crafts, and abundant bauxite reserves, Kalahandi has long remained a region of untapped potential. Despite its assets, it was once held back by weak infrastructure, economic stagnation, and overreliance on subsistence farming.

In 2001, the district contributed less than 1 per cent to Odisha’s Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP), with a per capita income of around ₹19,000. Frequent droughts, poor irrigation, and inadequate access to education and healthcare posed additional barriers to growth.

A Region in Transition

Today, Kalahandi is charting a new course through collaborative efforts between industry, government, and local communities. Livelihoods are diversifying, educational standards are rising, and a vibrant rural economy is taking shape. A key catalyst in this transformation has been Vedanta’s alumina refinery at Lanjigarh, which has played a pivotal role in fostering sustainable income models and investing in human development.

“Kalahandi now stands as a compelling example of transformation, where grassroots livelihoods are being reshaped through inclusive development,” says Dr. Ishwar Chandra Naik, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Ravenshaw University.

Livelihoods Rooted in Resilience

Traditional farming practices have evolved with the introduction of high-value crops like strawberries and bananas, supported by innovations such as solar lift irrigation, drip systems, and capacity-building for farmers. Goat rearing, integrated farming, and allied activities are helping families move beyond subsistence, creating surplus income and enhancing resilience. Between 2001 and 2023–24, the district’s GDDP contribution surged nearly 550 per cent, and per capita income has risen to around Rs 55,000.

Skill development is another cornerstone of Kalahandi’s revival. Vedanta’s Skill Development Program in Lanjigarh, in partnership with institutions like NABARD, trains rural youth in welding, electrical work, and computer literacy. These efforts are not only curbing migration but are also building a skilled local workforce.

Women are also becoming economic change-makers — reviving traditional crafts and launching micro-enterprises producing incense sticks, cleaning agents, and textiles. The rise of local businesses like salons, kiosks, repair shops, and digital services reflects the district’s emerging entrepreneurial spirit.

Education: Lighting the Path for a New Generation

A critical piece of Kalahandi’s development story is its educational revival. Vedanta Aluminium’s DAV Vedanta International School, established in 2006 as the district’s first English-medium school, has emerged as a beacon of hope. Today, it educates over 1,300 students — 83 per cent from local communities—with smart classrooms, science labs, and a well-stocked library. Many are first-generation learners.

In 2025, the school continued its legacy of excellence, with the top scorers in Class 10 and Class 12 achieving 97.2 per cent and 96.2 per cent, respectively — testament to the commitment of both teachers and students.

Beyond the classroom, initiatives such as the Vedanta Mini Science Centre and Vedanta Gyanshree Meritorious Scholarships are fostering science literacy and nurturing academic ambition, helping rural youth break barriers and join the national mainstream.

Healthcare: Building the Foundation for Wellbeing

Access to healthcare has also improved significantly. Vedanta Hospital at Lanjigarh now serves over 60,000 people annually, offering general medicine, maternal and paediatric care, and emergency services. Mobile health units reach deep into remote tribal hamlets, while multi-specialty health camps and awareness drives on nutrition and sanitation have improved community wellbeing.

Vedanta’s holistic approach to healthcare affirms that health is not just a service but a pillar of empowerment and dignity.

The Road Ahead

While progress is evident, sustaining it requires a supportive ecosystem. The continued operation of industries like Vedanta’s refinery depends on forward-looking policies, reliable infrastructure, and long-term planning. Several remote blocks in Kalahandi still need targeted development efforts, but the momentum is undeniable.

A Living Blueprint for Inclusive Growth

Kalahandi today stands as a powerful example of what inclusive, industry-led growth can achieve. It proves that with responsible investment, even the most historically marginalised regions can thrive.

Here, industry is more than an economic driver — it is a catalyst for change, a partner in development, and a symbol of hope. In a land once synonymous with deprivation, a new generation of skilled workers, curious students, and resilient entrepreneurs is now scripting Kalahandi’s next chapter.