Tikiri, 24/07: Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL), a unit of Hindalco Industries of Aditya Birla Group, has taken another step forward to strengthen rural development in mining affected rural areas through its CSR initiatives. As part of this initiative, the UAIL has inaugurated three open air gyms and two community centres in different villages in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
These initiatives aim to promote rural development, improve health and community engagement among the local population. The newly inaugurated open air gyms are located at Barjakhala village under Kodipari Panchayat in Kashipur block, Andirakanch village under Maikanch Panchayat, and Suryagarh village under Maligaon Panchayat of Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi district.
Similarly, the two community centres have been established at Maligaon under Chandragiri Panchayat and Andirakanch under Maikanch Panchayat in Kashipur block. These centers will serve as vital hubs for organizing social events, awareness programs, and community meetings.
The inauguration ceremonies were graced by senior CSR officials from Hindalco Industries, including Shri Abhijit (Head CSR, Hindalco Industries), Shri Siba Mahapatra (Cluster CSR Head), Shri Vijay Chauhan (Baphlimali Mines Head, UAIL), Srmt. Lopamudra Mishra (Head – CSR, UAIL), Shri. Manoj Das (CSR Head, Mines), Shri Binod Pujari (Deputy Manager), and other CSR team members.
Addressing the gathering at Barjakhala, Shri Abhijit emphasized the importance of public participation in future developmental activities and advised villagers to give due attention to health and hygiene. He also expressed hope for greater community collaboration in upcoming initiatives.
Shri Siba Mahapatra encouraged the local people to make effective use of the open air gyms, adding that development should go beyond infrastructure and focus equally on areas like education, health, cleanliness, and positive thinking.
Shri Vijay Chauhan, Mines Head, highlighted that UAIL will transforming Barjakhala into a model village and assured continued efforts in this direction. He further informed that since Barjakhala is located near a potential tourist spot, plans are underway to develop the area to create new livelihood opportunities for the local population.
Similarly, Smt. Lopamudra Mishra, Head CSR of UAIL, and Shri Chauhan also advised villagers to prioritize education and healthcare in their communities for long term progress.
