Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has developed a hydrogeological blueprint for the Sijimali region, aimed at further strengthening water security. Scientific studies indicate the potential to increase local water availability by up to 200%, by improving runoff capture and groundwater recharge through a network of soil and water conservation measures.The plan includes interventions such as contour bunding, check dams, settling ponds, slope stabilisation structures, and a7,500-metre drainage network, designed to channel rainwater more effectively into local catchments and water bodies.
Importantly, the project has been designed with safeguards to protect groundwater resources. Studies indicate that groundwater occurs at depths of approximately350m-550m below ground-level, while proposed activities are planned at significantly shallower levels, ensuring no direct interaction with aquifers.
Vedanta has expanded its water stewardship and watershed development efforts in Odisha’s Kalahandi and Rayagada districts around its Lanjigarh refinery.
The company has created over 18 lakh cubic metres of water storage and groundwater recharge capacity, strengthening irrigation access and improving water security for rural households.Through its integrated watershed and community water management initiatives, the company has revitalised over 73 water bodies across 26villages, while enabling irrigation across more than 1600 acres of farmland, benefiting over 4,000 people. These efforts are helping address long-standing water scarcity challenges in one of Odisha’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Karbi Majhi, a community member from Banigaonvillage, said, “ With the restoration of water bodies in our village, water is available closer to home and throughout the year. It has reduced our hardship and improved our quality of life.”
Dhananjaya Patra, a farmer from Batelima village, said,“With the water bodies restored and irrigation now available, we are able to cultivate more confidently and even grow an additional crop. It has brought stability to our income and hope for our families.”
