On International Day of Forests, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, announced its commitment to preserving the ecology in and around its operations in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The company’s efforts focus on conserving and promoting biological diversity in ecosystems, forming an integral part of its overall strategy.
Conservation Through Afforestation
In its BALCO operations, located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, Vedanta Aluminium has successfully completed afforestation on five previously reclaimed ash dykes. These dykes, which were closed after reaching full capacity, have been repurposed for afforestation, covering an impressive area of over 150 hectares. Through the plantation of nearly two lakh saplings, Vedanta Aluminium showcases sustainable reclamation, transforming non-forested areas into thriving ecosystems.
The Potential of Fly Ash
Fly ash, a high-volume byproduct in the production of thermal power, is utilized in various circular economy avenues. By repurposing ash storage areas for afforestation, Vedanta Aluminium demonstrates the potential of fly ash in environmental conservation efforts.
Reclamation Process and Biodiversity
The reclamation process of ash dykes involves several stages, including soil covering, stabilization, and landscaping to develop a forest ecosystem. In alignment with maintaining biodiversity, Vedanta Aluminium ensures the plantation of indigenous tree species. As a result, the area now boasts a variety of native trees such as Karanj, Sheesham, Neem, Amsol, and Gulmohar.
A Holistic Approach
In Jharsuguda, Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium has taken steps to preserve vulnerable tree species like Chloroxylon swietenia. Using the unique Miyawaki method, the company has also established extensive afforestation efforts near its Jamkhani coal mines in Sundargarh district. This self-sustaining plantation consists of over 8000 plants, including fruit-bearing species. These initiatives align with Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land), illustrating Vedanta Aluminium’s comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Fostering Biodiversity through Management Plans
To bolster its ecological efforts, Vedanta Aluminium has implemented Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) across its operations. These roadmaps for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity near the company’s plants serve as a crucial component of its strategy. In collaboration with environmental consulting firm ERM India, Vedanta Aluminium aims to strengthen its BMPs.
CEO’s Vision for a Sustainable Planet
John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, highlights the significance of biodiversity conservation in responsible business operations. The company’s sustainability efforts extend well beyond environmental improvement, with a comprehensive vision for a sustainable planet. Vedanta Aluminium works towards preserving diverse ecosystems both within and beyond its plant premises.
Promoting Awareness and Action
On the occasion of International Day of Forests, Vedanta Aluminium took numerous initiatives to raise awareness and inspire action among its employees and local communities. Collaborating with Divisional Forest Officers at Jharsuguda, the company organized awareness sessions on the topic of “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World” for school students. In Korba, fruit orchards of native trees such as tamarind, mango, guava, custard apple, and jamun were set up at the BALCO township. Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium’s “Mor Jal, Mor Maati” initiative established mango orchards in nearby communities, benefiting marginalized farmers.
Strengthening Communities and Embracing Nature
The company distributed over 200 fruit tree saplings among community members near its alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha. Simultaneously, employees from Vedanta Aluminium’s Mines unit participated in a photography competition that aimed to capture the natural beauty of their surroundings. Documentary screenings and sapling plantation drives, together with the local community, further reinforced Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Pioneering Aluminum Manufacturing Practices
Being India’s largest producer of aluminum, Vedanta Aluminium holds a leading position in sustainable development practices within the industry. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including aluminum smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, the company empowers emerging applications of aluminum as the “Metal of the Future” for a greener tomorrow. Vedanta Aluminium’s extensive ecological preservation efforts, spanning multiple regions and employing innovative approaches, showcase the company’s commitment to a sustainable planet. Through their initiatives, the company fosters biodiversity, raises environmental awareness, and actively engages with local communities.
