THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 21, 2026
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s
largest producer of aluminium, is strengthening rural infrastructure across
Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts with the installation and sustained
operation of 325 solar-powered streetlights, generating an estimated 28,470 kWh
of clean energy annually and reducing nearly 24 tonnes of CO₂
emissions each year.
Installed over a year ago, the
solar lighting network spans several villages, including Jamkhani, Girisima,
Jharpalam, Hemgir, RnR Colony, Bileimunda, Mundherkhet, Ghogharpalli,
Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Kudaloi, Banjari, Bartap, Grindola, Piplimal, Liakhai,
Lakhanpur, and Belpahar Municipality, significantly improving public
infrastructure in these areas.
To ensure uninterrupted
performance, Vedanta Aluminium has implemented a robust maintenance and
monitoring framework. Regular quarterly inspections and preventive maintenance
activities assess dust accumulation, battery health, wiring conditions, and
structural stability, ensuring long-term reliability across seasons.
The initiative has notably
enhanced night-time safety and accessibility, particularly benefiting women,
senior citizens, and daily commuters. Well-lit streets have eased movement
after dark and improved access to essential services, contributing to a better
quality of life in these communities.
Aligning with its broader
mission of rural development, the initiative also reinforces Vedanta
Aluminium’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,
particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities
and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Sharing her experience, Malli
Sa, a resident of Mundherkhet village, said, “Earlier, it was difficult to move
around after dark, but now the streets are well-lit, and it feels much safer.
The lights work automatically every evening, and we haven’t faced any issues.”
Similarly, Sanatan Nayak from
Kudaloi village added, “The solar lights are functioning well and are regularly
maintained. This initiative has greatly improved safety and convenience for our
village. Everyone in the village truly appreciates the company’s efforts in
addressing the needs of our community.”
Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive transformation in Odisha through strategic interventions spanning education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. By working closely with local authorities and community stakeholders, the company aims to deliver tangible socio-economic progress.
A business of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium produces more than half of India’s aluminium, with an output of 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. Recognised for its sustainability leadership, the company ranked second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry, underscoring its commitment to advancing environmentally responsible practices while positioning aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
