Vedanta Aluminium leads plastic-free tourism drive at Koilighughar waterfall in Jharsuguda

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, DECEMBER 20, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, in collaboration with the Regional Office of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), organised an impactful awareness drive under the ‘Plastic-Free Picnic Spots’ campaign at Koilighughar Waterfall, one of Jharsuguda’s most popular tourist destinations. The initiative reinforced Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to environmental stewardship while encouraging sustainable practices among local communities and visitors.

Aligned with the Odisha Government’s mandate to eliminate single-use plastics, the programme featured a large-scale cleanliness drive to remove plastic litter from the site and sensitise visitors on responsible waste management. Students were actively engaged through interactive competitions, cultural performances and a street play that highlighted the long-term ecological impact of plastic pollution on forests, water bodies and wildlife.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 120 students representing five schools, women Self-Help Group members and employee volunteers. It was graced by dignitaries including Kunal Motiram Chavan, Collector & District Magistrate, Jharsuguda; Manu Ashok Bhat, DFO, Jharsuguda; and Hiranya Kumar Nayak, Regional Officer, OSPCB. Participants pledged to adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce plastic usage and promote plastic-free behaviour in public spaces. A felicitation ceremony followed, recognising students, SHG members and volunteers for their contributions.

Speaking on the initiative, C Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “At Vedanta, we view sustainability as a keyarea of focus,firmly rooted in definitive actions on ground. The preservation of natural sites such as the Koilighughar Waterfall requires mass awareness, participation, and long-term behavioural changes. By supporting initiatives such as ‘Plastic-Free Picnic Spots–2025’, we aim to achieve the shared vision of reducing plastic pollution by actively engaging with  local communities in environmental conservation.”

Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan said, “The active participation of students, local communities, and Vedanta employees demonstrates the power of collective action in safeguarding our environment. Initiatives like this are crucial for reducing single-use plastics and preserving Jharsuguda’s natural landscapes for future generations.”

By promoting eco-friendly practices, reducing plastic waste and raising awareness about protecting natural ecosystems, Vedanta Aluminium continues to lead transformative efforts in environmental conservation for the community and future generations.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium, at 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products with critical applications across core industries. Ranked second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry, Vedanta Aluminium reflects strong sustainable development practices through its world-class smelters, alumina refinery and power plants, advancing aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.