Kalinganagar, , Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL) has initiated a waste management project in the villages of Sholei, Shingagadia, Danagadi, and the surrounding market areas under the Danagadi Panchayat Samiti through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The primary goal of this initiative is to raise awareness among local residents about the importance of a clean environment, ultimately aspiring to transform the village into a model community. As part of the project, daily door-to-door garbage collection is conducted, using vehicles to gather both wet and dry waste from each household. The collected waste is transported to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Dhuligarh, where wet waste is converted into compost, while dry waste is sent out of Odisha for recycling. The compost, packaged in biodegradable packets, is provided free of charge to residents for use in their gardens and crops. Additionally, the project includes regular village road cleaning programs, which engage local volunteers in maintaining the community’s cleanliness. Recognizing the significance of this initiative, JSL is committed to making Sholei village a model for environmental stewardship this year. To support this endeavor, two garbage collection vehicles are dispatched daily to collect waste from homes, temporary worker camps, and long-standing dumps. Efforts are also underway to clear these garbage dumps and plant ornamental trees, promoting community ownership over the environment and encouraging residents to avoid littering. Furthermore, a polluted pond in Sholei has been rejuvenated and beautified, contributing to the overall aesthetic and ecological health of the area. Sanitation Committees have been established in the villages, empowering local residents to participate actively in hygiene-related programs, including training and awareness initiatives. To engage younger generations, JSL organizes various competitions focusing on waste management in schools throughout the Dangadi block, including speech, drawing, and poster-making contests, with awards for students who demonstrate excellence. As part of its commitment to environmental education, tree planting initiatives have been launched at Mantira College, and efforts are being made to preserve endangered medicinal plants through the establishment of a medicinal garden at Kumbhiragadia School. The project collaborates with the Green Dream Foundation, a voluntary organization dedicated to supporting JSL’s environmental waste management efforts. Cooperation from the RWSS Department and Trijanga Panchayat of Dangadi Block has also been instrumental in making this project successful. According to JSL’s CSR Department Senior Manager Tapan Kumar Naik and CSR Head Sukant Kumar Rath, this initiative aims to foster clean sanitation and improve environmental conditions across various villages. They expressed their hope for continued community cooperation to ensure the long-term success of the waste management project.
