Jharsuguda: World Ecology Day was observed by Vedanta Aluminium Metal Ltd (VAML), by planting nearly 2,000 saplings at its Jharsuguda operations.
The plantation drive took place at multiple locations and environmental awareness sessions were organised. The drive took place in partnership with local communities, bringing together employees and business partners to strengthen green cover within the region and encourage collective action towards environmental conservation.
World Ecology Day is celebrated on November 1 and signifies the importance of protecting ecosystems and maintaining harmony between people and nature. Its purpose aligns with the United Nations’ Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) effort, a global call to prevent and reverse ecosystem degradation.
VAML Jharsuguda’s combined plantation and awareness activities seeks to promote environmental stewardship among employees, community members and local stakeholders.
“Environmental stewardship is integral to how we operate, from improving resource efficiency and adopting cleaner technologies to supporting biodiversity conservation. Sustainability-focused initiatives, exemplified by this extensive plantation drive, reinforce our commitment to ensuring responsible manufacturing and to creating long-term value for the communities around us,” C Chandru, CEO, VAML – Jharsuguda, said.
The in-depth awareness sessions, led by experts from VAML, dealt with ecological balance and environmental responsibility for employees and business partners. The initiative builds on VAML Jharsuguda’s wider biodiversity and sustainability efforts, contributing to enhanced green cover and ecological conservation across the region, an official said.
“The awareness session gave me a new perspective on how small actions can make a big difference to the environment. I was encouraged to learn about biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices, and I feel motivated to adopt some of these habits in my own life. It is heartening to see such efforts being organized for the community,” Sankar Samanta, an employee of WICL, a business partner of the company, noted.
Officials said that VAML – Jharsuguda has adopted a multi-pronged approach to sustainable manufacturing, such as using digital monitoring systems to ensure comprehensive water management and advanced Internet of Things (IoT)-based digital sensors to monitor stack emissions.
“As of FY26, the unit operates a fleet of 116 electric forklifts, contributing to annual reductions of 16.3 lakh litres of diesel consumption and 4,450 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions within its core plant operations.
Through initiatives spanning biodiversity conservation, resource efficiency and community participation, VAML Jharsuguda continues to advance its commitment to responsible manufacturing while contributing to the region’s ecological wellbeing,” the company said in a statement.
The company operates fully integrated, world-class assets including a state-of-the-art alumina refinery, a large aluminium smelter complex in Odisha, and the iconic Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO).