Bhubaneswar, May 12: India’s largest producer of aluminium - Vedanta - has installed 321 solar street lights across the gram panchayats (GPs) of Jharpalam, Mundelkhet, Garanjore, Kuraloi, Banjari, Lakhanpur, and Belpahar in adjoining Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts respectively.

Speaking about the initiative, Vedanta Aluminium Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sunil Gupta said, “We are deeply committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth in the regions where we operate. This intervention is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader sustainability mission to foster green infrastructure and improve the quality of life in its operational regions. The solar lighting project reflects our focus on meeting the needs of underserved communities through infrastructural support.”

He added, “These lights are not only illuminating villages, but are also lighting the path to socio-economic progress by empowering local businesses, improving mobility, and enhancing public safety.”

Appreciating Vedanta’s effort, Mr Sanyasi Bag, Sarpanch, Munderkhet GP, Hemgir Block (Sundargarh) expressed, “Vedanta’s initiative has not only brightened our villages, but has also made life safer for each one of us. We appreciate their efforts in fulfilling the specific needs of our community.”

Notably, this green initiative will provide reliable and eco-friendly lighting to more than 10,000 residents along with contributing to the reduction of approximately 22 tonnes of CO₂ emission annually.

The solar streetlights have been installed across the marketplaces, village entrances, bus stands, community centres, schools and main roads. They are not only meant for enhancing nighttime visibility and ensuring enhanced safety for the individuals navigating these areas, but also significantly uplifting the overall quality of life among the local communities.

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