Project Jyoti: Vedanta Aluminium Lights Up 22,000 Lives With Solar Streetlights

Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has expanded its clean-energy initiative Project Jyoti to improve safety and accessibility across Odisha’s Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts. The programme, part of its coal mining operations’ community outreach, has installed 406 solar-powered streetlights across 21 villages, benefiting nearly 22,000 residents.

The solar infrastructure has transformed public spaces, enhancing mobility and safety, particularly for women, senior citizens, and daily commuters. Villages including Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, Hemgir, R&R Colony, Bileimunda, Mundherkhet, Ghogharpalli, Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Kuraloi, Banjari, Bartap, Grindola, Piplimal, Liakhai, Lakhanpur, and Belpahar Municipality are now equipped with reliable lighting.

To ensure sustained performance, Vedanta Aluminium has instituted quarterly inspections and preventive maintenance covering dust accumulation, battery and wiring conditions, and structural stability. This mechanism is designed to guarantee long-term reliability across seasons.

Speaking on the initiative, Amaresh Kumar, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, said: “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.”

Residents have welcomed the initiative. Uttar Naik of Bileimunda village noted that solar streetlights have made evening movement more comfortable and public spaces safer.

Project Jyoti aligns with 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 integrating renewable energy into community infrastructure, Vedanta Aluminium demonstrates how sustainable solutions can address everyday needs while advancing inclusive growth.

The programme complements Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines’ broader community development efforts, which have positively impacted more than two lakh people across 26 villages through interventions in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and social development.