TFP Bureau, Korba, April 29, 2025: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading aluminium producer and part of Vedanta Aluminium, marked a significant milestone in its commitment to animal welfare, celebrating three years of collaboration with The Animal Care Organization (TACO). A flagship initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, TACO has made a profound impact on animal welfare in Korba, Chhattisgarh, with BALCO playing a pivotal role in translating this vision into tangible outcomes.
TACO, driven by the ‘One Health’ vision that connects the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment, has become a national movement. It is built on six core pillars: shelter, hospital, academy, wildlife conservation, disaster relief, and sector development. Over the past three years, the partnership between BALCO and TACO has positively impacted over 5,000 animals through targeted welfare interventions.
Key Achievements in Animal Welfare
Among the key efforts, BALCO has focused on cattle welfare, working with the District Veterinary Department to distribute over 3,000 reflective collars to prevent road accidents. The company has also supported four large veterinary health camps, benefiting more than 2,500 cattle with deworming, wound care, and reproductive health services, which have been crucial for local farmers who rely on their livestock.
Additionally, BALCO has made strides in improving the welfare of stray dogs. In collaboration with TACO, over 300 dogs have been vaccinated to prevent zoonotic diseases like rabies. To address the challenges posed by extreme heat, BALCO launched the Water Bowl Challenge, placing hydration bowls in high-footfall areas and actively encouraging community participation. Employees and local volunteers have supported this initiative by regularly refilling the bowls and providing food to stray animals.
A Vision of Compassion and Care
Reflecting on the milestone, Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Founder of TACO and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd, expressed, “TACO’s journey has been incredibly fulfilling. At its core is a simple yet powerful belief that animals deserve the same dignity, care, and protection as humans. It’s heartening to see the mission grow into a thriving community of compassion, sparking everyday acts of kindness.”
Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, emphasized the importance of awareness and empathy in driving meaningful change. “Our collaboration with TACO has empowered employees and communities to foster a culture of care, compassion, and coexistence. From fitting reflective collars to placing water bowls during the summer, these small actions are saving countless animal lives.”
Ramsahay Patel, a BALCO employee volunteer, shared his experience: “Simple actions like placing a bowl of water for stray dogs or helping a calf cross the road safely make a huge difference. Being part of this initiative has made me more mindful of how we can contribute to animal welfare every day.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding TACO’s Mission
Launched in April 2022, TACO is Vedanta Limited’s flagship animal welfare initiative, offering services such as rescue, rehabilitation, preventive care, geriatric support, and free OPD facilities for livestock and pets. TACO also operates a super specialty veterinary hospital for diagnostics, emergency response, spaying and neutering, and advanced treatment. All business units of Vedanta Limited, including BALCO, are actively involved in supporting TACO’s mission of holistic animal care.
As the partnership between BALCO and TACO continues to grow, the focus remains on fostering a culture of compassion and coexistence, with a long-term vision of improving the lives of animals across the region.
