As one travels into the heart of the south-western Odisha, Vedanta’s alumina refinery can be seen positioned at the base of the majestic Niyamgiri hills. Pockets of hamlets are scattered beside the main highway without streetlights and possibly no electricity during the night. Yet, as we move closer to the refinery, signs of a developed and nucleated civilisation spring into scene.
Lanjigarh’s Transformation and Development
Lanjigarh is a region largely inhabited by tribal communities in the district of Kalahandi. Today, years after Vedanta faced a setback due to the Niyamgiri issue, it has regained its footing and embraced the local communities among which it thrives. Much has changed manifestly over the years, as signs of development can be seen concentrated around the plant and further explored as one moves along.
Rehabilitation and Resettlement Efforts
As one approaches the foothill of Niyamgiri, a rehabilitation colony named Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar (NVN) presents itself. Displaced people from three villages—Borbhata, Kinari, and Sindhbahal—have been resettled and rehabilitated since the project phase. Today, 116 families occupy houses out of the 123 constructed, each family having access to a 45 sq. mtrs. pucca house with toilet, water, and electricity facilities.
Settlement Facilities
The settlement also includes basic amenities for the entire community, such as a black-top road, drainage system, market complex, school building, childcare center, streetlights, and a medical facility.
Testimonial: Basudev Majhi’s Experience
“We are fortunate to come out of the darkness which made us feel unsafe a decade ago. Today, my family and I have access to electricity, clean drinking water, and a good hospital,” says Basudev Majhi, a resident of NVN.
Vedanta’s CSR Initiatives
A Vedanta official informed that the company has spent around 175 crores on various CSR initiatives in the region. These initiatives reach out to 40 core villages, covering around 2 lakh people cumulatively through direct and indirect projects. Under the health initiatives umbrella AAROGYA, the services reach more than 1.2 lakh people annually.
Improvements in Health and Immunization
As a result of Vedanta’s efforts, the area has experienced zero malarial deaths in the last four years. Immunization rates have increased from 35% to 95%, and there has been no diarrheal outbreak in a long time.
Testimonial: Mangulu Majhi’s Experience
“I was the sole breadwinner for my family before my eyesight slowly vanished. Fortunately for me, doctors at Vedanta Hospital assured me that it could be cured and enrolled me in a free cataract surgery camp. I am also thankful that we have such a hospital near our homes. Otherwise, we had to travel to Bhawanipatna (60 km away) for treatment,” says 65-year-old Mangulu Majhi from Lanjigarh village.
Educational Initiatives: DAV Vedanta International School
Vedanta established a premier English medium school in Lanjigarh in 2006 in partnership with the DAV Educational Board. From seven students in 2006 to over 1,000 students in 2017, DAV Vedanta International School is well-equipped with smart classes, laboratories, kindergarten, and other amenities.
First-Generation Learners and Achievements
It is a notable achievement that nearly 40% of the students in the school are first-generation learners in their families.
Livelihood Programs: Project AAJEEVIKA and Project SAKHI
Project AAJEEVIKA, Vedanta’s livelihood program, addresses the need for uplifting the rural poor residing in villages around the plant. It comprises four pillars—Women Empowerment, Youth Employment, Farming and Non-Farming Initiatives, and Entrepreneurship Development. Project SAKHI supports 220 women SHGs (Self-Help Groups) with over 2,200 women involved in alternative livelihood activities.
Support for Farmers and Entrepreneurs
The company implements initiatives such as setting up farmers’ clubs, providing assistance to needy farmers, and promoting entrepreneurs in the region.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure development work has significantly benefited the locals. Initiatives such as drinking water supply pipelines, check dams, school and hospital buildings, high-level bridges, roads, community halls, and electrification have all contributed to improving the quality of life.
Enhancing Local Farmers’ Productivity
One key investment by Vedanta is enhancing local farmers’ productivity. Collaborating with the block and district administration (OLIC), Vedanta has recently implemented a Lift Irrigation System in Lanjigarh and Narayanpur to ensure irrigation facilities for approximately 100 acres of land used by 114 farmers in the locality.
Lift Irrigation Project and Outcomes
Two lift irrigation points with 16 water outlets have been constructed in these villages. The Lift Irrigation Project, an initiative by Vedanta, aims to solve irrigation issues so that lands can be utilized to their fullest potential.
Evident Transformation and Opportunities
The transformation in Lanjigarh is evident, and the opportunities for development are vast. Through a decade of responsible social integration, the revolution in the socio-economic landscape of the region can be seen and felt.
CSR Yatra Visit by Rusen Kumar
Rusen Kumar recently visited Lanjigarh under his CSR Yatra to observe the changes and initiatives in the area.
About the author
Rusen Kumar is the Founder and Managing Editor at India CSR Network
You may also read:
- Strengthening Ecosystem: The next big things for CSR in India
- “Responsibility is a New Opportunity”, Says Rusen Kumar at CSR International Conference
- The Danger of Disinterest: When Books Don’t Attract You – Rusen Kumar
- Jindal Steel & Power contributes Rs.15.36 Cr towards CSR during FY 2016-17
- Mahindra & Mahindra spends Rs. 83.57 Cr in CSR during FY 2016-17
