This World Environment Day, we look at some of the flora and fauna that coexist peacefully and safely at our sites
At the Aditya Birla Group, we have taken crucial steps towards preserving the rich biodiversity across our plant locations. Our efforts have played a crucial role in rejuvenating indigenous species of flora and fauna and providing a safe haven for migratory birds.
This World Environment Day, we take you on a virtual tour to celebrate the different species of birds, butterflies, animals and trees that we have lovingly nurtured over the years.
HINDALCO INDUSTRIES LTD.
Wildlife haven at Kathautia Coal Mines, Jharkhand
With 50 native species of birds, 5 species of migratory birds, 19 species of butterflies and even a family of jackals, the water bodies and spaces around Kathautia coal mines in Jharkhand are a delightful ecosystem.
Our guests in Pit D: The bar headed geese
Native to central Asia, the bar headed geese are one of the highest flying birds in the world and chart their journey over the mighty Himalayas to nest here during the winters.
During the day, these birds rest in the undisturbed waters of our Pit D, a 40-feet deep pond which other birds find difficult to access because of its depth. At night, they set out to forage in the nearby fields which offer them plenty to eat and thrive.
All dumping activity in pit-D is stopped from November to March when the Bar-headed Geese arrive to nest. This no-activity period creates an undisturbed roosting site for these migratory birds.
Spot the jackal!
The long dense grass, shrubs and ravines around the coal mines are a perfect home for jackals and the mongooses. They are easily spotted around the coal mines early in the morning and around dusk. Workers in the mines have also spotted two species of Nilgai and hyenas around the mines, but alas, they proved to be too camera shy for us to capture.
Chiffchaff at home
Native to Europe and the Middle East, the Common Chiffchaff loves to spend the winters in Jharkhand. The deciduous lowlands and woodlands make a perfect home for this little bird. It nests in the reed beds and spends its time foraging for food.
The Lascar comes to work
The mines are blessed with over 18 species of butterflies. But the most easily spotted is the Common Lascar which feeds on acacia plants and is often found basking in the sun in front of our site office. The presence of a variety of host plants, shrubs and trees create a nurturing habitat for a wide range of flower, grass and fruit dependent butterflies.
Lesser-whistling Duck, Black-crowned Night Heron, Kingfishers, Little Grebes and more
These birds happily nest in Narayan Ahara, a shallow waterbody near the mines. The depth of the pond makes it easy for smaller birds such as kingfishers, little grebes and herons to access the vegetation growing in the waterbody, making it an ideal habitat for these native birds, and a magnet for birdwatchers.
Narayan Ahara is a preferred watering hole for many animals as well. We have taken conscious steps to leave the pond untouched and undisturbed, and we also plan to expand the catchment area.
We also work to sensitise local stakeholders and employees through birding and wildlife observation camps. Regular biodiversity tracking with seasonal surveys and observations, guide our biodiversity conservation initiatives and restoration targets.
Meet the swans of Muri Works, Jharkhand
The staff residential colony at Muri Works, Jharkhand is home to 15 white swans and 8 ducks which live in the local pond. A shelter has been built for their safety.
The colony also hosts different species of fruit and flowering trees such as mango, amla, litchi, jackfruit, jamun, guava, neem, shisam, saal, pipal, kadam, kamini, ashok, karanja, kari, harra, kathber, palas, bans, bel, chiretta, keonjihi and mahua to name a few. Some of these trees were specifically planted to sink pollutants like particulate emission, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide.
Lively lizards of Aditya Aluminium, Sambalpur, Odisha
This site in Odisha is home to different reptiles and a wide range of butterflies in addition to native species of fruit and flowering plants.
Fan-throated lizards and Oriental garden lizards
The oriental garden lizard, also known as the Indian garden lizard, is known for attaining an orange hue during its breeding season. Commonly found in gardens, the lizard preys mainly on crickets, grasshoppers, butterflies and other insects.
The dry shrublands around Aditya Aluminium provide a nurturing habitat for Sitana ponticeriana. These lizards are known for a fan-like appendage on their throats and are only found in the Indian subcontinent.
A rainbow of butterflies
The Boronet, Common Jezebel, Grey Pansy, Lime butterfly and the plain Tiger butterflies are easily spotted fluttering around the site. Colourful flower, foliate and bracts shrubs such as Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, Ixora, Aralia and Tecoma are grown in the in-house nursery to aid our butterfly conservation efforts.
Aditya Aluminium works with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to guide and design conservation efforts. We cultivate and preserve endangered species like Dalbergia latifolia in our own nursery. We have created 25 earthen bird nests and stone heaps of 5m diameters in the township under the reptile conservation programme.
New life at Bagru Bauxite Mines, Jharkhand
We have created a sustainable Bio-Park at Lohardaga in Jharkhand to cover 5.5 hectares of mined-out land. The gardens are an ecosystem of flowering, fruit and medicinal plants such as Amla, Gular, Jamun, Khair, Jai, Sita Ashok, Mango, Neem, etc. that attract butterflies and birds. Along with a bamboo pavilion, the bio park hosts a nakshatra garden (Astral Garden), butterfly garden, rock garden, rose garden and a Panchawati and medicinal plant garden.
