Vedanta Installs 400+ Solar Streetlights in 21 Odisha Villages

Bhubaneswar, August 25: Vedanta Aluminium announced the installation of 406 solar-powered streetlights across the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts in Odisha. The company manages this public infrastructure initiative, called Project Jyoti, through its coal mining division. The project delivers renewable energy lighting to 21 villages and currently benefits approximately 22,000 local residents. The installation covers multiple rural areas and municipalities. These locations include Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, Hemgir, Bileimunda, Kuraloi, Banjari, and the Belpahar Municipality, among several others. The new streetlights improve visibility in public spaces after sunset. The illuminated roads make travel easier and more practical for daily commuters, senior citizens, and women. Residents can now reach essential services during evening hours without facing dark roads. Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines actively maintains the new infrastructure. The company established a formal monitoring system to keep the lights functional over time. Maintenance teams inspect the solar streetlights every three months. During these regular visits, technicians clean dust from the solar panels. They also examine the battery health and check all electrical wiring. Furthermore, the workers test the physical structure of each pole. This preventive maintenance ensures the streetlights operate reliably during different weather conditions throughout the year. Amares Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, commented on the project. He stated that access to reliable lighting creates safer and more connected communities. He explained that the company uses clean solar energy to improve mobility and support everyday activities for local residents. Villagers also acknowledge the practical benefits. Uttar Naik, a resident of Bileimunda village, noted that the streetlights changed the village significantly. Naik stated that people now move around comfortably in the evenings because public areas are highly visible. Project Jyoti directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project targets specific goals like Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Good Health, and Climate Action. This lighting initiative is one part of a broader community development strategy by Vedanta Aluminium. The company currently runs social programs that assist more than 200,000 people across 26 villages. These additional programs focus on improving local education, healthcare, and economic development to support regional growth.