Goa, 20th April 2026: Vedanta Sesa Goa’s #IronWillForGreenerPlanet campaign brought together women from Self-Help Groups across Amona and Navelim for an extensive exposure visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines and the Sesa Football Academy. The visit sought to provide community members a firsthand look at the measures taken by the company to promote environmental sustainability & resilient ecosystems.
The visiting group spent a significant part of the visit at the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mine, a site that serves as a practical classroom for ecological restoration. The participants observed the transition of an erstwhile mining site into a verdant ‘green-scape’ that is today home to over 100 ha of endemic vegetation. With more than 750000 trees planted as part of the reclamation project, the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines contributes to carbon sequestration while also benefitting the bio-diversity at the site.
The visiting group were also provided insights into how the mining industry in Goa is contributing sustainably to the overall progress of the State. In the second leg of the visit, the participants were provided an opportunity to witness the footballing ecosystem developed by the Sesa Football Academy (SFA).
Speaking on the initiative, Saptesh Sardesai, CEO-VAP said “Through the #IronWillForGreenerPlanet campaign, we aim to continue to contribute meaningfully through our sustainability initiatives.
The orientation visit for the SHG members provides us with an opportunity to engage with the community, and to highlight the key measures taken. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines have set a benchmark in responsible mining, and institutes such as the SFA have empowered the youth by creating pathways for success. We reaffirm our commitment to partnering communities for driving lasting & sustainable progress. ”
The visit to the SFA , Vedanta Sesa Goa’s flagship CSR initiative, the SHG members were provided a guided tour of facilities, training set up and the administrative arrangement necessary for supporting the sporting aspirations of the youth. The SFA has been a nursery for talent since its inception, and 14 players have represented India internationally.
Sharing their experiences, one of the beneficiary from Amona, Ms. Shaila Amonkar said “ I am very happy to see the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mine, which is a lush green space with fishponds, and bamboo plantation. The visit to Sesa Football Academy provided me with an insight into how Sesa Goa is contributing to societal progress.We would like to join such programs again in the future.”
The engagement came to a close with a workshop on physiotherapy and women’s health, complemented by a workshop on financial planning, empowering the SHG members with essential knowledge on the subject.
By blending environmental education with practical life skills, the program aimed to build a more resilient and informed community. As Earth Day 2026 nears, these women return to Amona and Navelim not just with new information, but as empowered stakeholders capable of leading their villages toward a more sustainable and balanced future.
