In the lead-up to World Environment Day on June 5, ESL Steel Limited, a Vedanta Group company, organized a Mega Environment Awareness Programme aimed at raising awareness on critical environmental issues such as land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

The event saw the participation of approximately 200 individuals, including students from Excel 30 Centers, Prerna Centers, AAS Vidyalaya, Vedanta Skill School, and the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, along with their guardians, teachers, women entrepreneurs from Jivika SHGs, and ESL Steel employees.

Guests Sougata Mahato, Consulting Executive, and  Sanjay Kumar from the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, were in attendance. ESL Steel Company was represented by  Ravish Sharma (COO),  Ashish Ranjan (Head - CSR, ER & PR), and K. Sandeep (Head - HSES). Other notable attendees included  Rakesh Kumar Mishra (Deputy Head, CSR) and Sanjay Kumar (Senior Manager, Environment), along with members of the CSR and Environment teams.

Sougata Mahato emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship in his address, stating, “The environment affects us all, and we must take extra care of Mother Nature. I commend ESL Steel Limited’s efforts in raising environmental awareness and wish success to their initiatives. I also appreciate the students’ creative demonstrations, which highlight key issues and solutions.”

 Ravish Sharma, COO of ESL Steel Limited, highlighted the company's commitment to environmental conservation, saying, “This event aims to raise awareness and inspire young minds to take action, aligning with Vedanta’s goal of nurturing potential for a better future. Our plantation drive, which aims to plant 125,000 saplings, will be a significant contribution to mankind and the environment.” He encouraged students to draw inspiration from figures like Anand Malligavad, the “Lakeman of India,” and Elon Musk, the “Techno-King,” assuring them that their efforts would yield results and boost their confidence.

Following the event, over 150 saplings were distributed to attendees to extend the plantation drive's reach. Participants took a pledge to ensure that the total number of saplings planted as part of this environmental initiative would reach 125,000, with 100,000 planted within the plant and 25,000 in the surrounding communities.