Bhubaneswar, Apr 21: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, is advancing rural infrastructure in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts with the successful installation and upkeep of 325 solar-powered streetlights.

This network generates around 28,470 kWh of clean energy annually, cutting nearly 24 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

The streetlights, installed across villages such as Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, Hemgir, RnR Colony, Bileimunda, Mundherkhet, Ghogharpalli, Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Kudaloi, Banjari, Bartap, Grindola, Piplimal, Liakhai, Lakhanpur, and Belpahar Municipality, have been operational for over a year.

To ensure reliability, Vedanta Aluminium has put in place a strong monitoring and maintenance system. Quarterly inspections check dust accumulation, battery health, wiring, and structural stability, ensuring the lights remain effective across seasons.

The initiative has greatly improved night-time safety and accessibility, particularly for women, senior citizens, and commuters. Residents report enhanced mobility after dark and better access to essential services, boosting overall quality of life.

“Earlier, it was difficult to move around after dark, but now the streets are well-lit, and it feels much safer. The lights work automatically every evening, and we haven’t faced any issues,” shared Mundherkhet village’s Malli Sa.

Similarly, Sanatan Nayak from Kudaloi village noted, “The solar lights are functioning well and are regularly maintained. This initiative has greatly improved safety and convenience for our village. Everyone in the village truly appreciates the company’s efforts in addressing the needs of our community.”

Aligned with its mission to uplift communities and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) — Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive transformation in Odisha.