Vedanta Lanjigarh launches mega cataract surgery drive to restore vision across 92 villages in Kalahandi and Rayagada

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

LANJIGARH, OCTOBER 13, 2025

In a bid to restore sight and enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals in rural Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh unit has launched the first phase of its Annual Cataract Surgery Drive under its flagship healthcare initiative, Project Aarogya. The programme aims to benefit residents of 92 villages across Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, providing free consultations, surgeries, and post-operative care to those in need.

Organised in collaboration with Jagannath Netralaya, Bhawanipatna, the initiative will unfold in eight phases from October 2025 to March 2026, targeting 350 beneficiaries during FY2026. The first phase alone will see around 40 patients undergo cataract surgery, offering a new lease of life to individuals who have long suffered from preventable blindness.

With a strong focus on accessible and quality eye care, Vedanta Lanjigarh continues to bridge healthcare gaps in Odisha’s tribal regions. So far, its sustained interventions have helped over 1,700 people regain their eyesight, empowering them to lead independent, productive lives and participate actively in their communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “At Vedanta Lanjigarh, our healthcare initiatives are designed to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, ensuring that even the most remote communities can access quality medical services. Through Project Aarogya, we have reached thousands of families with preventive and curative care — from mobile health units to specialized cataract surgeries. Each life transformed reflects our commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities.”

In FY2024-25, Project Aarogya conducted over 660 Mobile Health Unit visits, delivering doorstep healthcare to more than 20,500 individuals, alongside 680 awareness sessions benefiting 15,000 people with vital information on hygiene, wellness, and disease prevention.

Through such impactful efforts, Vedanta Lanjigarh reaffirms its commitment to last-mile healthcare delivery and continues to serve as a responsible development partner in Odisha’s tribal heartland.