India’s Largest Aluminium Producer Takes Bold Steps Towards Nature Conservation and Awareness Initiatives
On World Nature Conservation Day (July 28), Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, began a significant afforestation drive using the Miyawaki method near its Jamkhani coal mines in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. This innovative method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, creates dense, multilayered plantations using native species in a short period. The company plans to scale up the initiative to cover 61 hectares in just two years, resulting in a self-sustaining plantation of approximately 12,50,000 plants, including fruit-bearing species.
Following this, on International Tiger Day (July 29), Vedanta Aluminium launched widespread awareness campaigns among local communities to emphasize the importance of tiger conservation as a keystone species for ecosystem preservation. The company’s employee volunteers conducted engaging sessions in schools and Nand Ghars (modernized anganwadis) in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Limited – Aluminium Business, expressed the company’s commitment to nature conservation as a core aspect of sustainable business practices. Similarly, Mr. V. Srikanth, CEO (Mines), Vedanta Ltd – Aluminium Business, emphasized the joint responsibility of businesses and society in preserving nature.
Vedanta Aluminium is dedicated to achieving resource efficiencies and conservation while aligning its environmental efforts with the ‘Lifestyle for Environment – LiFE’ initiative of the Government of India and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 & 15, focusing on conserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Apart from the afforestation drive, the company has undertaken several conservation projects, including the establishment of a Butterfly Park and restoration of over 40 waterbodies. They have also engaged in mega plantation drives, city clean-up efforts, awareness rallies, and workshops aimed at fostering informed and sustainable lifestyle choices.
In FY23, the company planted around 2.5 lakh saplings, recycled 13.69 billion litres of water, partnered with the conservation firm ERM for biodiversity management, and raised conservation awareness through talks led by notable conservationists. They also contributed to the protection of vulnerable species like the Chloroxylon Swietenia and the yellow monitor lizard. Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium’s Vedanta Sakhi project trained women in beekeeping and honey production to promote livelihood opportunities.
The company’s initiatives reflect its commitment to conservation efforts and sustainable development across its various business units, including the Jharsuguda aluminium smelter, Lanjigarh alumina refinery, BALCO subsidiary in Chhattisgarh, and mining and port operations.