Vedanta Aluminium is making strides in enhancing safety and accessibility in Odisha’s Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts by advancing its clean-energy initiatives through Project Jyoti, a key community program linked to its coal mining activities.
As part of this initiative, the company has successfully installed 406 solar-powered streetlights across 21 villages, positively impacting around 22,000 residents and creating well-lit public areas for daily use.
Streetlights have been set up in various locations including Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, Hemgir, R&R Colony, Bileimunda, Mundherkhet, Ghogharpalli, Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Kuraloi, Banjari, Bartap, Grindola, Piplimal, Liakhai, Lakhanpur, and Belpahar Municipality.
To maintain these lights effectively, Vedanta Aluminium has implemented a systematic maintenance and monitoring plan that includes quarterly inspections and preventive measures to address issues such as dust accumulation, battery and wiring conditions, and structural integrity, ensuring long-term reliability throughout the seasons.
This initiative has notably enhanced safety and accessibility, especially for women, elderly individuals, and daily travelers. The improved lighting has facilitated easier movement and better access to essential services, thereby elevating the quality of life for community members.
Amares Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, commented on the project, stating, “Access to reliable lighting is fundamental to building safer, more connected and empowered communities. Through Project Jyoti, we are harnessing clean solar energy to improve mobility, enable access to essential services and enhance everyday life in our neighbouring communities. Our endeavour is to create lasting social impact while advancing sustainable solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more resilient future.”
Uttar Naik, a resident of Bileimunda village, noted the positive changes brought by the solar streetlights, saying, “The solar streetlights have made a noticeable difference in our village. People can now move around more comfortably in the evenings, and public spaces feel safer and more accessible. We appreciate Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines for introducing an initiative that is benefiting the entire community.”
Project Jyoti embodies Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By incorporating renewable energy into community infrastructure, the project exemplifies how sustainable solutions can fulfill daily needs while improving living standards.
This program is part of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines’ broader community development efforts, which have positively impacted over 200,000 individuals across 26 villages through initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and social development, promoting inclusive growth and long-term community advancement.
