BALCO initiates weeklong celebration to commemorate World Environment Day

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium Business, has rolled out a slew of activities in commemoration of World Environment Day. The commemoration has started with a tree plantation drive in the presence of Mr. Ankur Sahu, Regional Officer of Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB), Korba, Mr. Manik Chandel, Scientist – CECB and senior officials from BALCO along with their family members. Led by employees, the company has rolled out a plantation drive under which 5000 saplings will be planted in June.

Over the week, BALCO will be organizing various activities themed on ‘Only One Earth’, such as environment quiz, photography and drawing competition, awareness rallies, cleanliness drive, sapling distribution, screening of environmental documentaries, treasure hunts and more.

Speaking on environment conservation efforts by BALCO, Mr Abhijit Pati, CEO & Director, BALCO, said, “We, at BALCO, are committed towards nurturing the ecosystem we live in. Our environment conservation efforts bring together an unwavering focus on environmental excellence, deployment of new-age technologies and innovative approach towards sustainable development. We are conscious of our responsibility towards building a greener tomorrow for the future generations through environment preservation actions. Our commitment to safeguard the environment is embedded in our vision, corporate objectives, production processes and the way we conduct our business.”

Mr. Ankur Sahu, Regional Officer of Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board, Korba, said, “On the event of World Environment Day I want to appeal the masses to stop using single use plastic and contribute towards protection of our Only One Earth.”

BALCO’s sustainable manufacturing practices focus on the economic, environmental, and social aspects of metal manufacturing activities. Aligned to its vision of zero harm, zero waste and conservation of natural resources, BALCO has planted approximately 43.5 lakh saplings till date in the vicinity of its operations. The company is also exploring greener options for diversifying its energy sources. BALCO is also the national benchmark for highest energy efficiency in smelter operations.

Testimony to such efforts towards environment conservation, BALCO has been awarded with numerous prestigious awards, such as ‘Best Green Business Award’ and ‘Best Green Excellence Award’ by World CSR Congress, ‘CII Energy Excellence Award’, ‘Sustainable Business of the Year Award’, ‘Global Energy & Environment Award’ and more in the recent years.

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) is India’s iconic aluminium producer. It is owned 49% by the Government of India and 51% by Vedanta Limited. Vedanta Limited is the world’s 6th largest diversified natural resources company and the largest producer of aluminium in India. BALCO operates a 0.57 million tonne per annum aluminium smelter in Korba, Chhattisgarh. It is also a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class smelter and power plants, the company fulfills its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.