BALCO reinforces commitment to sustainability on World Environment Day

Balconagar, 7th June, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, celebrated World Environment Day in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh Forest Department through a plantation drive of over 200 plants in the BALCO township. In addition, the company also conducted several community initiatives to promote greater awareness of sustainable ways of living and environmental conservation.

Recognizing the pivotal role of tree plantation in land restoration, representatives from the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) also participated in the plantation drive. The plantation drive, conducted at several locations in the vicinity of the plant, rallied around the slogan “Our Land, Our Future, we are @Generation Restoration,” uniting employees and community members for the sustainable cause.

Furthermore, to include the young generations in the global cause, BALCO organized a ‘Make Your Own Ready-To-Sow Seed Balls’ workshop for young children, who then participated in planting them at nearby Nand Ghars. These are modern anganwadi centers supported by Vedanta Limited as hubs of community development. The aim of the workshop was to educate individuals on the importance of planting seeds for developing more green spaces.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director, BALCO, reaffirming the company’s dedication to sustainability, stated, “At BALCO, sustainability is at the core of our operations. We are proactively working towards achieving Net-Zero Carbon by 2050, in line with our commitment to environmental stewardship. Our sustainability initiatives also extend to our nearby communities, with whom we partner to protect and sustain our natural resources. Through this effort, we aim to foster a culture of sustainability that unites all stakeholders in the pursuit of a greener future.”

Ashish Khailwar, Sub-Divisional Officer of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, emphasized the importance of ongoing environmental efforts, stated, “Tree plantation is a sustainable practice, not a one-day activity. Collaborating with various organizations is essential for achieving a sustainable future and maintaining our ecosystems, which requires joint efforts. BALCO’s consistent dedication to environmental stewardship is truly commendable. Their aim of planting 1.5 lakh trees within this year exemplifies their commitment to this cause.”

Moreover, at its operations, BALCO recognized employees and business partners from various sub-units who had contributed significantly to practicing and promoting environment-friendly operations with the “Green Champion of the Year” award. The week also featured competitions to encourage individuals towards undertaking environmental conservation.

The company has been consistent in cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship in partnership with local communities by educating employees, residents and children about sustainable living. To amplify awareness among young children and deepen their connection with nature, BALCO has also included activities such as seed distribution and ‘Hug-a-tree campaign’ through its annual summer camp, to foster a sense of environmental responsibility among the children.

BALCO has taken several steps to ensure a positive environmental impact. Some of its significant sustainability initiatives in FY24 include:
• Restoration of 42 farm and community ponds to ensure groundwater recharge, critical to water conservation
• Over 1,20,000 saplings planted in and around its operations
• Special nature workshops organized for a harmonious bond with the natural world
• Photography competitions / Nature walks to sensitize individuals about local biodiversity
• Publications celebrating the biodiversity of the region
• Successful afforestation on 5 reclaimed ash dykes covering an area of more than 150 hectares demonstrating dedication to the restoration of natural habitats