THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 8, 2026

Vedanta Aluminium has strengthened agricultural livelihoods and enhanced water security in Odisha’s Kalahandi district by enabling irrigation across more than 800 acres of farmland, benefitting over 9,000 people in 41 villages through its integrated watershed initiative, Project Sangam.

The initiative has created over 11 lakh cubic metres of water recharge through the development of 61 water structures, significantly improving groundwater availability and ensuring sustained water access for farming and domestic use in one of the state’s most climate-vulnerable regions. By addressing chronic water scarcity through a scientific and community-driven approach, the project is helping farmers reduce dependence on erratic monsoon rainfall while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Project Sangam focuses on the revival of traditional water bodies, development of durable irrigation infrastructure, and efficient capture of monsoon runoff, enabling groundwater replenishment and strengthening long-term water resilience in rural communities. The initiative integrates technical expertise with grassroots participation, encouraging local ownership of water resources while contributing to improved soil moisture and ecological restoration.

Commenting on the initiative, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Water security is fundamental to sustainable development, especially in regions like Kalahandi where communities are deeply dependent on agriculture. Through Project Sangam, we are integrating scientific watershed management with community participation to create enduring water assets.”

The positive impact is already visible at the grassroots level. Krushnacharan Mali, a farmer from Balabhadrapur village, said, “For years, our farming depended entirely on uncertain rainfall. Through Project Sangam, we now have assured irrigation for our fields, which has transformed our farms and our lives. With water available year-round, we are growing better crops, earning more, and no longer worry about leaving our land during dry months.”

Project Sangam, Vedanta Lanjigarh’s flagship watershed and livelihood development programme, leverages technology-driven planning to scale water-based assets across Kalahandi district. The initiative aims to further expand irrigation coverage to more than 3,500 acres, ensuring year-round water availability for both agriculture and drinking purposes, while reinforcing climate resilience and rural prosperity in one of Odisha’s most vulnerable regions.