Vedanta Aluminium Drives Plastic-Free Awareness In Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda, swa news : Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium,in collaboration with the Regional Office of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), organized an impactfulawareness driveunder the ‘Plastic-Free Picnic Spots’campaign at Koilighughar Waterfall, one of Jharsuguda’s most popular tourist destinations. The initiative aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and encouraging sustainable practices among community members.

Aligned with the Odisha Government’s mandate to eliminate single-use plastics, the programme featured a large-scale cleanliness drive to remove plastic litter from the site and sensitise visitors on responsible waste management. Students were actively engaged through interactive competitions, cultural performances, and a nukkadnatak highlighting the long-term ecological impact of plastic pollution on forests, water bodies, and wildlife.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 120 students representing five schools, women Self-Help Group (SHG) members, and employee volunteers. It was graced by dignitaries including Mr. Kunal Motiram Chavan (Collector & District Magistrate, Jharsuguda), Mr. Manu Ashok Bhat (DFO, Jharsuguda), and Mr. Hiranya Kumar Nayak (Regional Officer, OSPCB), Participants pledged to adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce plastic usage, and promote plastic-free behaviour in public spaces. A felicitation ceremony followed, recognising students, SHG members, and volunteers for their contributions.

Speaking on the initiative, C Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “At Vedanta, we view sustainability as a keyarea of focus,firmly rooted in definitive actionson ground. The preservation of natural sites such as the Koilighughar Waterfall requires mass awareness, participation, and long-term behavioural changes. Bysupporting initiatives such as ‘Plastic-Free Picnic Spots–2025’, we aim to achieve the shared vision of reducing plastic pollution by actively engaging with  local communities in environmental conservation.”

Kunal Motiram Chavan, Collector & District Magistrate, Jharsuguda, said,“The active participation of students, local communities, and Vedanta employees demonstrates the power of collective action in safeguarding our environment. Initiatives like this are crucial for reducing single-use plastics and preserving Jharsuguda’s natural landscapes for future generations.”

By promoting eco-friendly practices, reducing plastic waste, and raising awareness about protecting natural ecosystems, Vedanta Aluminium continues to lead transformative efforts in environmental conservation for the community and future generations.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2^nd in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.