Aluminium Coal Mines Expands Assistive Support for People with Disabilities Across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh Districts

Bhubaneswar (Odisha Tazanews) :- Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has expanded its assistive support initiative for people with disabilities across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive community development. As part of the initiative, 49 beneficiaries have received wheelchairs and hearing aids to enhance mobility and accessibility. The programme expanded across Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, R&R Colony Mendra, Garjanjore, Bileimunda, Chhatabar and Ghogharpalli, where 19 wheelchairs were distributed to identified beneficiaries.

Similar support had earlier been extended in Kuraloi through the distribution of wheelchairs to identified beneficiaries. In a step towards improving accessibility for vulnerable community members, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has expanded its assistive support initiative across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts. The programme has enabled 49 beneficiaries to receive wheelchairs and hearing aids, helping address mobility and hearing related challenges that often limit participation in everyday life. The latest phase of the initiative covered Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, R&R Colony Mendra, Garjanjore, Bileimunda, Chhatabar and Ghogharpalli, while similar support had earlier been extended in Kuraloi.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the mobility and accessibility needs of people with disabilities and elderly residents, helping them participate more fully in everyday and community life. Through such efforts, Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines continues to strengthen access to essential support services across its operational areas. The assistive devices were distributed in the presence of Sunanda Kalo, Sarpanch, Garjanjore Panchayat, along with Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, committee members and community members, highlighting strong collaboration with stakeholders in driving last-mile impact.

Speaking on the initiative, Amaresh Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, said,”At Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, our focus is on addressing community needs through practical and inclusive interventions. By providing assistive support, we aim to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and elderly community members, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. We remain committed to working closely with communities and stakeholders to create meaningful and lasting social impact.”

Sharing her experience, Damyanti Naik, ASHA, Nuadihi, Garjanjore, shared, “I appreciate Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines for extending this support to persons with disabilities in our community. These assistive devices have made everyday activities easier, improved mobility, and enabled beneficiaries to access essential services with greater confidence and independence.” Sharing her experience, Keshav Purale, resident of Girisima village shared, “Receiving this wheelchair has made a significant difference in my daily life. It has given me greater independence and confidence to move around without relying on others for every task.

I sincerely thank Vedanta Coal Mines for this thoughtful support, which has improved my mobility and brought renewed hope to me and my family.”
Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines has strengthened last-mile healthcare access through its Mobile Health Unit (MHU) programme, reaching more than 50,000 residents, including over 4,000 children, across 18 villages in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts. Over the past three years, the initiative has facilitated more than 3,000 free health camps and over 1,000 health awareness sessions, providing consultations and essential healthcare support to communities.

This initiative complements Vedanta Aluminium’s broader community development efforts around its coal mining operations, which have positively impacted more than 2 lakh people across 26 villages. Through focused interventions in healthcare, education, sustainable livelihoods, infrastructure, and social development, the company continues to work closely with local communities to foster inclusive growth and enhance the quality of life across Odisha.