Vedanta Aluminium is making strides in improving safety and accessibility in the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts of Odisha by expanding its clean-energy initiatives through Project Jyoti, a key community program associated with its coal mining operations.
As part of this initiative, a total of 406 solar streetlights have been installed in 21 villages, benefiting approximately 22,000 residents and creating well-lit public areas for daily activities.
The 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 ensure their ongoing effectiveness, Vedanta has implemented a regular maintenance and monitoring program that includes quarterly inspections and preventive maintenance to address dust accumulation, battery and wiring conditions, and structural stability, ensuring the streetlights remain reliable throughout the year.
The project has significantly enhanced safety and accessibility, especially for women, the elderly, and daily commuters. Improved lighting has facilitated easier movement and enhanced access to essential services, leading to an overall better quality of life within these communities.
Amares Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, commented, “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.”
A resident of Bileimunda village in Sundargarh, Uttar Naik, expressed gratitude, 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 is aligned with Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment 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, this initiative illustrates how sustainable solutions can meet everyday needs while enhancing quality of life.
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 various initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and social development, promoting inclusive growth and long-term community progress.
