TFP Bureau, Korba, May 27, 2025:Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), part of Vedanta Aluminium, marked International Day for Biological Diversity with a series of community awareness programs in forest-adjacent villages near Korba. Conducted in partnership with The Animal Care Organization (TACO), these initiatives emphasized the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” aiming to foster peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The sessions, attended by over 300 participants including local residents and school students, spotlighted the conservation of sloth bears native to the region. Through scientific insights on animal behavior and conflict mitigation, BALCO sought to reduce human-wildlife encounters. Interactive activities such as street plays (Nukkad Natak), storytelling, and quizzes helped communicate responsible practices for protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats.
Officials from the District Forest and Veterinary Departments joined the events, providing expert knowledge and encouraging environmental stewardship among villagers. Local panchayat leaders, environmentalists, and NGOs also supported the efforts.
BALCO’s ongoing biodiversity initiatives extend beyond awareness, involving partnerships with the Social Revival Group of Urban, Rural and Tribal (SROUT). These include regular cleanliness drives, tree plantations, and animal welfare programs aimed at sustaining the local ecosystem through community participation.
Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, said, “True progress balances industrial growth with environmental care. Our International Biodiversity Day activities reinforce our dedication to protecting ecosystems and fostering coexistence with wildlife, aligned with our vision of sustainable development and zero harm.”
Local environmentalist Dinesh Dixit praised the program, stating, “Community involvement is crucial for biodiversity conservation near forests. BALCO’s initiatives successfully combine scientific knowledge with grassroots action.”
Uttam Khunte of the Korba Forest Department highlighted cleanliness as a key preventive measure, explaining, “Proper disposal of food waste and eliminating open garbage help keep wild animals away from villages, protecting both humans and wildlife.”
Village resident Mangal Singh shared, “Learning about animal habits helps prevent conflicts. Avoiding movement during early morning and night—when wildlife is active—makes everyone safer. I appreciate BALCO’s effort to educate us.”
Additional BALCO initiatives benefiting the region include:
- Distribution of 3,000+ reflective collars for cattle to reduce road accidents, in collaboration with the District Veterinary Department.
- Veterinary health camps serving over 2,500 cattle.
- Vaccination drives for 300+ dogs to prevent zoonotic diseases such as rabies.
- The “Water Bowl Challenge” placing hydration stations in public areas to help stray animals cope with heat stress.
About TACO:
Launched in April 2022, The Animal Care Organization (TACO) is Vedanta Limited’s flagship animal welfare program providing rescue, rehabilitation, preventive care, and free veterinary services for community and stray animals. TACO runs a super specialty veterinary hospital offering diagnostics, emergency care, spaying/neutering, and advanced treatments. All Vedanta units, including BALCO, actively support TACO’s mission to strengthen animal welfare across their operating regions.
