Jharsuguda, March 29, 2025: Strengthening its commitment to rural health and sanitation, Vedanta Aluminium has implemented key interventions under its flagship “Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene” (WASH) initiative in Kuraloi, Jharsuguda district. The project includes the installation of bio-toilets and solar-powered bore-wells equipped with water purifiers, benefitting over 5,500 residents and addressing the critical need for safe drinking water and improved sanitation in the region.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Nimay Charan Panda, Chairman of Belpahar Municipality, underscored the pressing need for such interventions, saying, “Access to potable water is a vital community requirement in these regions due to the high levels of iron in the groundwater. With the onset of harsh summer months, scarcity of water and lack of hygienic sanitation infrastructure were major concerns. I thank Vedanta Aluminium for addressing these critical needs and promoting health, hygiene, and sustainable development in our region.”
Mr. David Stone, CEO of Vedanta Coal Mines, highlighted that the company’s efforts are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. He remarked, “By enhancing access to safe drinking water and improving sanitation infrastructure in these regions, we aim to create healthier, more resilient communities and drive sustainable development in the areas where we operate.”
The bio-toilets, installed in schools, Anganwadi centres, and community health centres, use an innovative anaerobic bio-digester system. This system employs specially developed bacteria to decompose human waste, converting it into water, methane, and carbon dioxide. This eco-friendly approach eliminates the need for manual desludging, reduces environmental contamination, and promotes sustainable sanitation practices.
Complementing this, the solar-powered bore-wells with water purifiers provide reliable access to safe drinking water, ensuring that community members have a sustainable and clean water source even in areas with high iron content in the groundwater. These facilities not only improve hygiene standards but also enhance overall public health in the region.
Vedanta Aluminium’s WASH initiative represents a long-term commitment to community welfare, health, and environmental sustainability, addressing urgent local needs while promoting modern, sustainable solutions. By combining innovative sanitation technology with renewable energy-based water supply, the initiative ensures that residents of Kuraloi and surrounding areas have access to essential amenities. This project reinforces the company’s broader focus on uplifting communities through impactful interventions, creating healthier, empowered, and resilient communities across Odisha.
