Odisha News / Vedanta Aluminium Expands Disability Support in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jul 28: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has expanded its assistive support initiative for people with disabilities across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts in Odisha, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive community development, officials said on Tuesday.

As part of the latest phase, 49 beneficiaries received wheelchairs and hearing aids to improve mobility and accessibility. The programme covered villages including Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, R&R Colony Mendra, Garjanjore, Bileimunda, Chhatabar, and Ghogharpalli, where 19 wheelchairs were distributed. Earlier, similar support had been extended in Kuraloi.

The initiative aims to address the mobility and accessibility needs of persons with disabilities and elderly residents, enabling them to participate more fully in everyday and community life. The distribution of assistive devices was carried out in the presence of local stakeholders, including Sunanda Kalo, Sarpanch of Garjanjore Panchayat, ASHA workers, and community members, reflecting strong collaboration in driving last-mile impact.

Speaking on the initiative, Amaresh Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, said: “Our focus is on addressing community needs through practical and inclusive interventions. By providing assistive support, we aim to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and elderly community members, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.”

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. Damyanti Naik, ASHA worker from Nuadihi, Garjanjore, noted that the devices have made everyday activities easier and improved confidence. Keshav Purale, a resident of Girisima village, shared that receiving a wheelchair has given him greater independence and hope.

Beyond assistive support, Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines has strengthened healthcare access through its Mobile Health Unit (MHU) programme, reaching over 50,000 residents, including 4,000 children, across 18 villages in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda. Over the past three years, the initiative has facilitated more than 3,000 free health camps and 1,000 awareness sessions.

This initiative complements Vedanta Aluminium’s broader community development efforts around its coal mining operations, which have positively impacted more than 2 lakh people across 26 villages through interventions in healthcare, education, livelihoods, infrastructure, and social development.