Vedanta Lanjigarh alumina refinery distributing solar lights to every household under ‘Energy Conservation Project’

Vedanta Lanjigarh, India’s premier producer of metallurgical grade alumina, has begun the ‘Energy Conservation Project’ to promote clean lighting and clean cooking in the villages of Lanjigarh. Under the project, the company has already distributed solar lights to every household in Dengsargi village. This initiative is specially designed, aiming at involving employees in community development projects.

This initiative is also to ensure non-polluting, reliable, and affordable source of energy for the community in a sustainable manner. The distribution of solar lights and fuel-efficient chullah to replace firewood will improve energy efficiency in the villages, reduce respiratory health risks among women and children, and save costs. Prior to this, solar lights were also distributed in Sindhibahal village.

Vedanta Lanjigarh also conducted demonstrations on how to use challah, for which it enrolled women associated with self-help groups under the central government’s Ujjwala scheme for LPG connection.

This project aims to cover 15 peripheral villages by the end of fiscal 2021 and transform 70 villages of Lanjigarh block into energy-efficient in the next three years. This project is a unique example of community development through innovation and employee volunteerism. So far, about 50 households have been benefited from this programme.

Referring to the initiative, Mr Rakesh Mohan, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Limited of Lanjigarh unit, said: “Vedanta Lanjigarh has always worked towards socio-economic development of the community, with a focus on women and children, through impactful developmental interventions and social outreach programs. We develop effective solutions for the needs of the community, aimed at bettering the lives of the local populace and improving their standard of living. The energy conservation project which champions clean lighting and clean cooking fuel in villages is one such effort. We have always believed in being partners in progress for our communities, and our employees who volunteered to be a part of the solar light distribution program stand testimony to that.”

Vedanta, the largest producer of aluminium and premier manufacturer of metallurgical grade alumina in India, operates a 2 million tonnes per annum capacity of alumina refinery in Lanjigarh.