by Ashis Sinha
Bokaro: ESL Steel Limited, a prominent integrated steel producer in India and part of the Vedanta Group, recently organized a Mega Environment Awareness Programme in anticipation of World Environment Day on June 5.
Known for its commitment to societal and community development, ESL Steel has been recognized with numerous awards from national and international organizations for its efforts.
The event, aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues such as land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, was a collaborative effort by ESL Steel’s Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability (HSES) and CSR departments. It saw the participation of 200 individuals, including students from various educational institutions like Prerna Tutorials, Excel 30 Centre, Archery Academy, Vedanta Skill School, AAS Vidyalaya, their guardians, teachers, women entrepreneurs from Jivika SHGs, and ESL Steel employees.
Dignitaries present included Sougata Mahato, Consulting Executive at Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, and Sanjay Kumar from the same board. They joined ESL Steel leaders such as Ravish Sharma (COO), Ashish Ranjan (Head – CSR, ER & PR), and K. Sandeep (Head – HSES) among others.
The programme featured various activities for students, including a drawing and model-making competition, speeches, skits, and a sapling plantation drive. Participants who excelled in these activities were awarded prizes to encourage further involvement. Senior officials from ESL Steel and JSPCB also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of land restoration, reforestation, soil conservation, climate change impact, smart water management, and drought resilience.
Speaking on the occasion Sougata Mahato highlighted the importance of environmental care in his address, commending ESL Steel for its initiatives and the students for their creative contributions.
Ravish Sharma spoke about the significance of the event in raising awareness and inspiring young minds. He mentioned the company’s ambitious goal of planting 125,000 saplings as part of their environmental conservation efforts.
Following the speeches, over 150 saplings were distributed among attendees to extend the plantation drive. A pledge was taken to plant 125,000 saplings, with 100,000 to be planted inside the plant and 25,000 in surrounding communities.
Notably, this Mega Environment Awareness Programme by ESL Steel Limited reflects its dedication to environmental sustainability and community engagement, aligning with Vedanta’s vision of nurturing young potential for a better future.
