Marking World Water Day, Vedanta Limited announced that it has recycled and reused more than 85 million cubic metres of water across its operations in FY26 (year-to-date February), equivalent to over 34,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The company reported a water positivity index of 0.63, reflecting its structured and measurable approach to sustainable water management.
With global estimates warning of a potential 40% water shortfall by 2030, Vedanta has intensified its efforts to strengthen water stewardship. The company continues to invest in technology-driven efficiency, ecosystem restoration, and community partnerships as part of its goal to become Net Water Positive by 2030.
Vedanta’s strategy is built on three pillars—recycle, conserve, and replenish—aimed at reducing freshwater dependence, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing water availability through recharge initiatives. Businesses including Hindustan Zinc Limited, Cairn Oil & Gas, and Vedanta’s Iron Ore operations have already achieved net water positivity, replenishing more water than they consume.
The company has achieved a water recycling rate of 31%, supported by advanced treatment systems and closed-loop processes. Operational innovations are also contributing to conservation. At BALCO, reuse of cooling tower blowdown water has reduced freshwater consumption by nearly 4,800 cubic metres per day, while Meenakshi Energy Limited operates entirely on seawater, eliminating freshwater use.
In FY26, Vedanta replenished over 7 million cubic metres of water through watershed development and groundwater recharge projects. Its community initiatives now extend to more than 225 villages, benefiting over 1.05 million people. Efforts include solar-powered borewells, sewage treatment plants, and RO systems supplying more than 3 million litres of safe drinking water.
Key projects include rainwater harvesting structures in Rajasthan by Cairn Oil & Gas, pond rejuvenation in Punjab by Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, and groundwater recharge initiatives across Odisha and other regions. At Lanjigarh, projects have created significant recharge capacity, supporting irrigation and local livelihoods.
Vedanta’s progress has received national recognition, with Hindustan Zinc’s Rajpura Dariba Complex becoming the first facility to earn NITI Aayog’s Scope 1 Water Positivity Aspiring Company certification. Through continued investment and innovation, Vedanta remains focused on responsible water management, supporting environmental resilience while sustaining long-term business growth.
Vedanta Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, is a leading global metals, mining, energy, and technology company with operations across India, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company’s portfolio includes Zinc (world’s largest integrated producer), Silver (fourth largest globally), Aluminium (India’s largest primary producer), Oil & Gas (India’s largest private crude oil producer), Nickel (sole Indian producer), Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, Lead, Power, and Glass Substrate.
Committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence, Vedanta targets net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. The company is certified as a Great Place to Work and recognized as a Kincentric Best Employer. Vedanta Limited is publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India.
