Lanjigarh Vedanta, Oct 13: Access to reliable community lighting sources and safe drinking water has been enhanced across several villages in Odisha’s Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, with Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, installing 146 solar street lighting units across 20 villages in the region. In addition, the company has also installed solar-powered drinking water facilities in 7 villages. Together, these initiatives are expected to benefit over 3,000 people and help address their essential infrastructural needs.
For many villages in Odisha’s Sijimali region, limited lighting along roads and public spaces can make it difficult to move around after sunset, particularly for women, children and elderly residents. Improved lighting is helping make common areas safer and easier to access during evening hours. Alongside this effort Vedanta Aluminium has expanded access to safe drinking water in seven villages across Kalahandi and Rayagada, by providing solar-powered drinking water facilities that help families access clean and purified water closer to their homes. Designed to support everyday household requirements, the facilities are helping improve access to an essential ser vice while strengthening rural infrastructure in communities surrounding Sijimali.
Speaking on the initiative, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Alumina Business, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Odisha’s growth story is closely connected with the progress of its communities. As we strengthen our presence in the region, we believe that meaningful development must extend beyond industrial operations to create a positive difference in people’s lives. Through this initiatives, we are focusing on access to essential infrastructure, renewable energy and improved living conditions for surrounding villages in the vicinity of our operations, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for Odisha.”
Sharing the impact of the initiative, a resident of Ladakhaman village said, “Earlier, moving around the village after sunset was difficult because many roads remained dark. With the installation of solar streetlights, travelling in the evenings has become easier. Improved access to drinking water is another important development for our families. These facilities are making a meaningful difference to our daily lives.”
Through these initiatives, Vedanta Aluminium’s Sijimali Bauxite Mines continues to strengthen its focus on community wellbeing, sustainable infrastructure and responsible mining practices. By aligning local development priorities with Odisha’s broader growth aspirations, the company aims to contribute to stronger rural communities and ensure that the benefits of industrial development extend to the people living around its operations.
