Vedanta Aluminium, in collaboration with the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), organised a large-scale awareness and cleanliness drive at the popular Koilighughar Waterfall near Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda district on December 20, reinforcing efforts to curb plastic pollution at natural tourist destinations in Odisha.

The initiative was conducted under the state-backed “Plastic Free Picnic Spots” campaign and aligns closely with the Odisha government’s mission to phase out single use plastics while encouraging sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The programme also reflects Vedanta Aluminium’s continued commitment towards environmental conservation, waste reduction, and community-led eco-friendly action.

Koilighughar Waterfall, a picturesque 200-foot cascade surrounded by dense forests, is a well-known tourist and picnic spot, especially during the winter season. The site is also culturally significant as it houses a revered Shiva lingam. However, the influx of visitors often results in plastic waste being left behind, posing serious threats to the local ecosystem, forest biodiversity, and water bodies.

To address this concern, the cleanliness drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 120 students representing five nearby schools, women members of local self-help groups, and Vedanta employee volunteers. The activities included a large-scale cleanup operation to collect and segregate plastic litter from the waterfall premises, along with awareness sessions on responsible waste disposal and sustainable lifestyle choices.

The event also featured interactive student competitions, cultural programmes, and a powerful street play or nukkad natak that highlighted the harmful impact of plastic pollution on forests, rivers, wildlife, and human health. Participants collectively took a pledge to reduce plastic usage, adopt eco-friendly alternatives, and spread awareness about maintaining plastic-free public spaces.

Senior government officials attended the programme, underlining its importance. Jharsuguda District Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan, Divisional Forest Officer Manu Ashok Bhat, and OSPCB Regional Officer Hiranya Kumar Nayak were present and interacted with participants. A felicitation ceremony was also organised to recognise outstanding contributions made by students, SHG members, and volunteers during the drive.

Speaking on the occasion, Vedanta Jharsuguda CEO C Chandru said that preserving natural heritage sites like Koilighughar requires consistent awareness and long-term behavioural change. He emphasised that through initiatives such as “Plastic Free Picnic Spots 2025,” Vedanta is working closely with communities to reduce plastic pollution and promote actionable sustainability on the ground.

Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan lauded the collaborative effort between industry, government, and local communities. He noted that the active involvement of youth, local residents, and corporate stakeholders demonstrates how collective responsibility can help protect the region’s natural beauty and ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.

The initiative stands as a strong example of public private partnership aimed at environmental protection, community engagement, and sustainable tourism in Odisha.