Vedanta Lanjigarh Launches Annual Cataract Surgery Drive across 92 Villages in Kalahandi and Rayagada

Lanjigarh (Odisha) [India], October 13: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has launched the first phase of eight cataract surgery camps planned under its flagship healthcare initiative, Project Aarogya, aimed at restoring vision and improving the quality of life for elderly individuals across 92 villages in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with Jagannath Netralaya, Bhawanipatna. The cataract surgery drive will be rolled out in eight phases from October 2025 to March 2026, providing free consultations, surgeries, and post-operative care to underserved communities. In its first phase, around 40 patients will undergo surgery, with a target of reaching 350 beneficiaries in FY2026.

With a steadfast focus on accessible and quality eye care, Vedanta Lanjigarh’s Project Aarogya continues to bridge the healthcare gap in Kalahandi and Rayagada. To date, Vedanta Lanjigarh’s sustained eye care interventions have helped more than 1,700 individuals regain their eyesight, empowering them to lead independent lives and participate more actively in their families and communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “At Vedanta Lanjigarh, our healthcare initiatives are designed to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, ensuring that even the most remote communities can access quality medical services. Through Project Aarogya, we have been able to reach thousands of families with preventive and curative care, from mobile health units to specialized interventions like cataract surgeries. Each life transformed represents the true impact of our mission to build healthier, more resilient communities.”

Project Aarogya, Vedanta Lanjigarh’s flagship healthcare initiative, has made a significant difference in the region. In FY2024-25, more than 660 Mobile Health Unit (MHU) visits were conducted, delivering doorstep healthcare services to over 20,500 individuals across remote villages. Additionally, more than 680 community awareness sessions were organised, providing more than 15,000 people with essential information on hygiene, wellness, and disease prevention.

Vedanta Lanjigarh remains committed to ensuring last-mile healthcare access and continues to play an active role as a responsible development partner in Odisha’s tribal heartland.