UAIL CSR transforms rural Rayagada with roads, clean water and renewed hope

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR/RAYAGADA, AUGUST 28, 2025

In a remarkable stride toward rural development, Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL), a subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco, has brought transformative changes to Raulighati village in the Kashipur Block of Rayagada district, Odisha. Once isolated due to treacherous terrain and lack of infrastructure, the village is now experiencing a wave of progress, thanks to UAIL’s impactful CSR initiatives.

For decades, Raulighati residents were cut off from basic services. Lack of road connectivity forced villagers to navigate dense forest paths on foot, putting lives at risk during medical emergencies and making education an uncertain pursuit for local children.

UAIL’s Mines CSR team tackled this head-on by constructing a 2.5 km road linking Raulighati to the main thoroughfare, providing villagers safe and reliable access to essential services. Additionally, a 1.7 km stretch was built to connect the village with the Barajakhala Government Primary School, ensuring students can attend school regularly without risking their safety.

“We implemented these projects to drive sustainable development and improve quality of life,” said Kailash Pandey, Mining Business Head, Hindalco. “Through strong community partnerships, we aim to foster both social and economic growth,” he added.

One of the most critical challenges addressed was the drinking water crisis. Villagers previously relied on untreated stream water, leading to frequent waterborne illnesses. Under its flagship ‘Swajal’ initiative, UAIL installed a water treatment plant that now provides clean, treated water through household tap connections, revolutionizing access to safe drinking water.

To further enhance village hygiene and sanitation, a robust drainage system was built to prevent monsoon-related waterlogging, improving overall cleanliness and reducing health hazards. UAIL also plans to roll out a Mobile Health Unit soon to deliver doorstep medical care.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, village head Malia Majhi shared, “Our lives have changed. The roads, clean water, and improved sanitation have brought us a future we never imagined.”

These initiatives are part of Aditya Birla Group’s broader CSR efforts in Odisha, reaching over 5 lakh people in 128 villages. Guided by the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Rajashree Birla, the Group’s work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on poverty elimination and access to basic amenities.