Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has launched the first phase of its annual cataract surgery drive under Project Aarogya, its flagship healthcare initiative. The drive aims to restore vision and improve the quality of life for elderly residents across 92 villages in the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha.

In collaboration with Jagannath Netralaya, Bhawanipatna, the initiative will unfold in eight phases from October 2025 to March 2026. It will offer free consultations, surgeries, and post-operative care to underserved communities. The first phase will benefit around 40 patients, with a target of reaching 350 beneficiaries by the end of FY2026.

Project Aarogya has already made a significant impact in the region, helping over 1,700 individuals regain their eyesight through sustained eye care interventions. The initiative reflects Vedanta Lanjigarh’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps in Odisha’s tribal heartland.

Commenting on the launch, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Our healthcare initiatives are designed to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Through Project Aarogya, we’ve reached thousands of families with both preventive and curative care. Each life transformed reflects our mission to build healthier, more resilient communities.”

In FY2024-25 alone, Project Aarogya conducted over 660 Mobile Health Unit (MHU) visits, delivering doorstep healthcare to more than 20,500 individuals. Additionally, over 680 community awareness sessions were held, educating more than 15,000 people on hygiene, wellness, and disease prevention.

Vedanta Lanjigarh continues to play a vital role as a responsible development partner, ensuring last-mile healthcare access and empowering communities through sustained health interventions.