Bhubaneswar, 25/08/25: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is driving a major change in rural Odisha through its integrated watershed and livelihood development programme – Project Sangam in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi. The initiative focuses on ensuring year-round water security by creating sustainable water-based assets, thereby transforming both agriculture and rural livelihoods in the region.
Historically, Kalahandi district was synonymous with drought and famine. Today, through efforts like Project Sangam, this narrative is changing. The project has developed multiple water conservation structures across 41 villages, improving groundwater recharge and increasing water storage capacity. This intervention now brings irrigation to over 3,500 acres of land, ensuring drinking and agricultural water availability for more than 22,000 people.
Beyond water access, these efforts have enabled farmers to adopt modern and sustainable agricultural practices, significantly boosting productivity. With improved irrigation, farmers are shifting towards high-yield and resource-efficient methods, such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), which has delivered up to 25% higher crop yields, 30% lower input costs, and improved soil health. More than 60 farmers across 64 acres have already adopted SRI, and plans are underway to expand it to 210 acres this Kharif season.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, stated: “Our vision goes beyond industrial growth; water is the foundation of rural prosperity. By ensuring sustainable water availability, we enable communities to thrive, improve food security, and enhance incomes. Project Sangam is a step toward building a resilient, self-reliant rural economy aligned with our sustainability goals.”
Farmers report tangible benefits – reliable irrigation has not only improved crop health and yields but also encouraged the adoption of organic practices, reduced pest incidence, and strengthened resilience against climate variability.
By integrating water conservation with livelihood development, Vedanta’s Project Sangam is redefining rural development in Kalahandi, creating lasting socio-economic impact for communities that once faced acute water scarcity.
