THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 5, 2026

In the remote villages of Kashipur block in Odisha’s Rayagada district, the day once began with a long, arduous journey for most women. Long before the fields stirred or households woke fully, they would set out carrying plastic and steel containers, walking across steep hill paths to reach distant streams. In villages such as Dumurpadar, Sagabari, Chulbadi, Sunger, Dhamanghati, Siadimal and Ladhakhaman, access to water had never been a guarantee; it was a scarce resource shaped by uneven terrain and an uncertain climate.

For women in these rural areas, who shoulder nearly every household responsibility, this daily struggle consumed several hours that could otherwise have been spent on income generation or personal wellbeing. Against this backdrop, Vedanta Aluminium’s extensive efforts to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water have emerged as nothing short of transformational.

The Sijimali hill range, known for its rich bauxite reserves, has historically been marked by chronic water stress. The plateau terrain of the Eastern Ghats, like most bauxite-bearing regions, is largely impermeable, causing rainwater to run off rapidly instead of percolating into the ground. Groundwater tables plunge to depths of up to 750 feet, far beyond the reach of traditional dug wells. Seasonal streams dry up quickly, and perennial water sources are rare.

In response, Vedanta Aluminium has deployed deep-bore drilling supported by solar-powered pumping systems under Project Nirmal, its community development initiative. These drinking water systems are now operational across seven villages, benefiting over 3,000 people and ensuring reliable, year-round access to safe drinking water. The intervention has significantly reduced dependence on natural water sources that are vulnerable to climatic fluctuations.

“Earlier, fetching water would take half the morning,” recalls Chandrika Naik, a resident of Dumurpadar village. “During summer, we would walk even further. By the time we returned, the day was already spent. The efforts taken by Vedanta has really been a boon to our community.”

Previously, the villages depended on natural water sources with high turbidity levels, often rendering the water cloudy due to impurities like silt. With the installation of borewell-linked purification systems, water quality is now maintained well within safe limits, significantly improving drinking water safety for households. Importantly, the integration of solar power has insulated water supply systems from erratic electricity availability, a persistent constraint in remote blocks like Kashipur and Thuamul Rampur.

“We no longer need to wait many hours for power or tankers to arrive,” says a woman from a village near Sijimali. “The solar borewell by Vedanta helps us access water much closer to our homes now. It has changed how we plan our day.”

While water scarcity is often measured in litres and sources, its human cost is disproportionately borne by women in rural areas—in the form of lost time, health strain and reduced economic participation. With walking distances reduced and collection times shortened, women are now better able to engage in income-generating activities, manage household work and care responsibilities without the physical toll that once defined their routine.

Beyond immediate access, Vedanta’s efforts around Sijimali are also focused on ensuring long-term water security. Hydrogeological studies are being used to guide spring rejuvenation, rainwater channelisation and recharge planning, aimed at strengthening natural water systems rather than merely replacing them. More than 20 locations have been identified for spring revival and water channelisation through pipelines, enabling better capture and movement of surface runoff.

These interventions are expected to support sustained drinking water availability and, over time, contribute to groundwater recharge, strengthening resilience against seasonal scarcity. Crucially, technical assessments indicate that groundwater aquifers lie substantially below the bauxite deposits located close to the surface, suggesting a natural separation between mineral reserves and water sources. This understanding has informed mine planning, ensuring that access to safe water sources is protected and prioritised alongside development activities.

Sijimali today stands at a crossroads, often discussed for what lies beneath its soil, but increasingly shaped by what can be achieved above it. Water security, healthcare, roads and essential services together form the true measure of progress in regions long marked by scarcity. Vedanta’s efforts in and around the Sijimali area highlight how local needs can be successfully addressed in tandem with the nation’s development priorities, turning a story of hardship into one of resilience and hope.