JSW JFE Steel Launches Biodiversity Conservation Week 2026; Signs MoU with IIT Kharagpur
Jharsuguda/Sambalpur. : Reinforcing its commitment towards environmental sustainability and responsible industrial growth, JSW JFE Steel Limited inaugurated Biodiversity Conservation Week 2026 at Mahanadi Hall, IB River Guest House, marking another significant milestone in its biodiversity conservation and decarbonisation journey.
Organized by the Environment Management Department, the program witnessed the participation of senior leadership, zonal and departmental heads, employees, and distinguished representatives from government and academia.
The event was graced by Shri Gyanendra Lima, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest. Senior leaders present included Shri Prakash Sapa, Sr. Vice President & Head – Operations, JSW JFE Steel Limited, and Shri Vikas Jain, Vice President & Zonal Head (Rolling Mills). Distinguished guests also included Unnikrishnan Menon, Post-Doctoral Scholar, IIT Kharagpur, and Rakesh Kumar Panda, Assistant Environment Engineer, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), Sambalpur.
The key highlight of the event was signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JSW JFE Steel Limited and IIT Kharagpur to jointly develop innovative technologies for Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCUS) and broader decarbonisation initiatives. The collaboration aims to accelerate research and innovation in carbon reduction, environmental sustainability, biodiversity enhancement, and climate resilience.
The initiative has been undertaken under the leadership and continuous guidance of Shri Umesh Rai, Whole-Time Director & CEO, JSW JFE Steel Limited, and Prof. Brajesh Kumar Dubey, IIT Kharagpur.
Addressing the gathering, dignitaries appreciated the company’s proactive environmental efforts under its Biodiversity Management Plan, which includes biodiversity awareness programs, habitat conservation, greenbelt enhancement, butterfly park development, installation of artificial bird nests, aquatic biodiversity initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Speaking on the occasion, senior leadership emphasized that sustainable industrial growth and ecological conservation must progress together. The company reiterated its commitment to responsible steel manufacturing aligned with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and long-term environmental stewardship.
During the program, dignitaries also unveiled several biodiversity-focused initiatives, including the installation of artificial bird nests on trees, placement of biodiversity QR codes, and the formal unveiling of the MoU document with IIT Kharagpur. The program concluded with the felicitation of guests and a vote of thanks by the organizing team.
