Words Rusen Kumar
MUMBAI (India CSR): Jindal Steel Limited, one of India’s leading steel producers, has set an ambitious target to reduce its freshwater consumption to 2.0 m³ per tonne of crude steel (tcs) across all its steelmaking sites in India by 2030. This initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability and resource management, reflecting its ongoing efforts to optimize water usage and minimize environmental impact.
Company Overview: A Global Presence
JSP is a major player in the steel industry, listed on both the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited. The company’s registered office is located in Haryana, with its corporate office situated in New Delhi. JSP operates several manufacturing plants across India, including in the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
Beyond India, JSP has a significant global presence through its subsidiaries in countries such as Australia, Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United States of America (USA). The company also maintains a representative office in China, supporting its various business initiatives across multiple continents.
Table 1: Company Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Jindal Steel Limited |
| Stock Listings | National Stock Exchange of India Limited, BSE Limited |
| Registered Office | Haryana, India |
| Corporate Office | New Delhi, India |
| Manufacturing Locations | Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, India |
| Global Presence | Australia, Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, USA, Representative Office in China |
Progress Toward Water Conservation Goals
Current Water Intensity and Ongoing Efforts
As part of its water management strategy, JSP has recorded a water intensity of 2.66 m³ per tonne of crude steel in the fiscal year 2023-24, slightly higher than the 2.55 m³/tcs recorded in the previous year.
The company remains focused on achieving its 2030 target by implementing innovative water conservation practices and continuously refining its operations.
Key Initiatives: Recycling and Rainwater Harvesting
Maximizing Water Resources
JSP’s efforts in water conservation are evident in its successful recycling of 64.02 million kilolitres of water and harvesting of 47.57 million kilolitres of rainwater in FY 2023-24.
These initiatives are crucial in reducing the company’s reliance on external water sources and contribute significantly to its sustainability goals.
Table 2: Water Conservation Targets and Progress
| Parameter | Target | FY 2023-24 | FY 2022-23 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Consumption | 2.0 m³/tcs by 2030 | 2.66 m³/tcs | 2.55 m³/tcs |
| Water Recycled | – | 64.02 million KL | – |
| Rainwater Harvested | – | 47.57 million KL | – |
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and Effluent Management
Commitment to Zero Liquid Discharge
JSP has implemented a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) policy across all its steel plants, ensuring that no liquid waste is discharged into the environment.
The company operates two RO-based ZLD plants, each with a capacity of 250 m³/hr, effectively treating and recycling wastewater for reuse within its operations.
Specialized Effluent Treatment
Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) are integral to JSP’s strategy for managing wastewater.
The company has established specialized ETPs for various processes, including Coal Gasification, Coke Oven Plants, and Rolling Mills, with capacities ranging from 350 m³/hr to 1000 m³/hr.
These ETPs support the ZLD initiative by treating wastewater for reuse in critical plant operations.
Table 3: Effluent Treatment and ZLD Initiatives
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) | Two RO-based ZLD plants, 250 m³/hr each |
| Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) | Specialized ETPs for Coal Gasification, Coke Oven, and Rolling Mills |
| ETP Capacity | Ranges from 350 m³/hr to 1000 m³/hr |
Surface Runoff Management and Groundwater Safeguards
Managing Contaminated Runoff
JSP has implemented comprehensive systems to manage surface runoff and prevent water contamination.
Garland drains and settling tanks around raw material yards, along with Surface Runoff Treatment Systems (SRTS), ensure that contaminated runoff is treated before discharge, protecting local water resources.
Protecting Groundwater Resources
To safeguard groundwater, JSP has introduced protective measures in its waste disposal processes.
The company uses impervious layers in disposal yards and monitors groundwater quality with piezometers, ensuring that operations do not compromise the integrity of local water supplies.
Table 4: Surface Runoff and Groundwater Management
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Runoff Management | Garland drains, settling tanks, SRTS systems up to 1,200 KLD capacity |
| Groundwater Safeguards | Impervious layers in disposal yards, piezometers for monitoring groundwater quality |
Continuous Improvement and Monitoring
Real-Time Environmental Compliance
JSP employs real-time monitoring systems at critical points in its operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
These systems allow the company to continuously assess and improve its water management practices, aligning with its sustainability objectives.
A Commitment to Sustainable Water Management
JSP’s target to reduce freshwater consumption to 2.0 m³ per tonne of crude steel by 2030 is a key component of its broader sustainability strategy. With a strong global presence and significant efforts in water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and Zero Liquid Discharge, JSP is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable steel production. As the company continues to advance towards its 2030 goal, it reaffirms its commitment to responsible resource management and environmental stewardship on both a national and global scale.
(India CSR)
