Vedanta Aluminium Installs 406 Solar Streetlights in 21 Odisha Villages
Vedanta Aluminium has installed 406 solar-powered streetlights across 21 villages in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts, benefiting nearly 22,000 residents.
Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, has installed 406 solar-powered streetlights across 21 villages in Odisha's Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts under Project Jyoti, a community initiative of its coal mining operations. The clean-energy infrastructure has benefited nearly 22,000 residents by improving safety, mobility and connectivity across the region. The company announced the expansion on August 25, 2026, in Bhubaneswar.
The streetlights span villages including Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, Hemgir, R&R Colony, Bileimunda, Mundherkhet, Ghogharpalli, Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Kuraloi, Banjari, Bartap, Grindola, Piplimal, Liakhai, Lakhanpur and Belpahar Municipality. The initiative has created better-lit public spaces for everyday use, contributing to an improved quality of life across these communities.
What maintenance measures ensure long-term reliability?
Vedanta Aluminium has established a regular maintenance and monitoring mechanism for the solar streetlights. Quarterly inspections and preventive maintenance cover dust accumulation, battery and wiring conditions, and structural stability. These measures aim to ensure the long-term reliability of the streetlights across seasons.
Who benefits from improved lighting?
The initiative has improved safety and accessibility, particularly for women, senior citizens and daily commuters. Better-lit streets have made movement more convenient in the evenings and improved access to essential services. Residents now have safer public spaces for everyday activities.
What did officials and residents say?
Amares Kumar, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, said access to reliable lighting is fundamental to building safer, more connected and empowered communities. "Through Project Jyoti, we are harnessing clean solar energy to improve mobility, enable access to essential services and enhance everyday life in our neighbouring communities," he stated. "Our endeavour is to create lasting social impact while advancing sustainable solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more resilient future."
Uttar Naik, a resident of Bileimunda village in Sundargarh district, said the solar streetlights have made a noticeable difference in the village. "People can now move around more comfortably in the evenings, and public spaces feel safer and more accessible," he shared. "We appreciate Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines for introducing an initiative that is benefiting the entire community."
How does this align with broader development goals?
Project Jyoti reflects Vedanta Aluminium's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By integrating renewable energy into community infrastructure, the project demonstrates how sustainable solutions can address everyday needs while enhancing quality of life.
The programme forms part of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines' wider community development efforts, which have positively impacted more than 2 lakh people across 26 villages through interventions in education, healthcare, livelihoods and social development, supporting inclusive growth and long-term community progress.
How many solar streetlights were installed under Project Jyoti?
Vedanta Aluminium installed 406 solar-powered streetlights across 21 villages under Project Jyoti.
In which districts of Odisha were the solar streetlights installed?
The solar streetlights were installed in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts of Odisha.
How many residents have benefited from the solar streetlight initiative?
Nearly 22,000 residents have benefited from the solar streetlights installed under Project Jyoti.
Which villages received solar-powered streetlights under Project Jyoti?
The streetlights were installed in Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, Hemgir, R&R Colony, Bileimunda, Mundherkhet, Ghogharpalli, Podajalanga, Rengalpani, Kuraloi, Banjari, Bartap, Grindola, Piplimal, Liakhai, Lakhanpur and Belpahar Municipality, among others across 21 villages.
What maintenance measures are in place for the solar streetlights?
Vedanta Aluminium conducts quarterly inspections and preventive maintenance covering dust accumulation, battery and wiring conditions, and structural stability to ensure long-term reliability.
How does Project Jyoti align with UN Sustainable Development Goals?
Project Jyoti aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
What did Vedanta Aluminium officials say about Project Jyoti?
Amares Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, stated that access to reliable lighting is fundamental to building safer, more connected and empowered communities, and that the project harnesses clean solar energy to improve mobility and access to essential services.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
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