The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, JUNE 10, 2025
In an era where water is becoming one of the most precious natural resources, Vedanta Aluminium — India’s largest aluminium producer — is pioneering transformative efforts in sustainable water management. With a bold vision to become Water Positive by 2030, the company is setting new standards for environmental responsibility in the industrial sector.
Vedanta Aluminium has implemented one of the most impactful water stewardship programmes in India’s industrial landscape, making water conservation a core pillar of its sustainability roadmap. In FY25 alone, the company recycled over 16 billion litres of water across its operations — equivalent to the volume of 6,400 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Achieving a recycling rate of 15%, Vedanta is leveraging innovation and precision to build a resilient and sustainable future.
The company’s water strategy is built on four strong pillars: rigorous monitoring, maximum reuse, zero liquid discharge, and enhanced community access. At its Jharsuguda operations, Vedanta runs Odisha’s largest industrial Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, adhering to a strict Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) policy. This ensures that all wastewater is treated and reused within the plant. Advanced systems like High-Concentration Slurry Disposal (HCSD) and high-efficiency cooling towers further optimise water recycling and minimise freshwater dependency.
Vedanta is also enhancing green belt development using treated water from its state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants. Meanwhile, extensive rainwater harvesting systems and on-site reservoirs contribute to long-term water security, ensuring that sustainability is woven into every layer of operations.
Going beyond its industrial footprint, Vedanta Aluminium is enabling community resilience through initiatives like Project Sangam in Kalahandi, Odisha. Designed to address water scarcity in one of India’s most remote regions, the project has significantly improved irrigation across 3,500 acres of farmland, positively impacting over 22,000 people by increasing water storage and groundwater recharge.
In both Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Vedanta has restored numerous community ponds, expanding rural water reserves. In partnership with NABARD, it is also promoting climate-smart agriculture by introducing drip irrigation techniques, conserving over 1 lakh cubic meters of water while boosting crop productivity. Through its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiative, the company has installed bio-toilets, solar-powered borewells, and water purifiers in the Kuraloi region, directly benefiting more than 5,500 community members.
Vedanta Aluminium’s integrated approach — combining technology, infrastructure, and community engagement — underscores its commitment to responsible resource use. By fostering collaborations with global tech partners, government agencies, and local stakeholders, the company is not just reducing its own water footprint but also amplifying its impact across ecosystems.
With its eyes firmly set on 2030, Vedanta Aluminium is redefining what it means to lead with purpose — where growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
