Deadly Chhattisgarh blast puts Vedanta’s safety record under fresh scrutiny

A fatal boiler explosion at a power plant operated by Vedanta Limited in Chhattisgarh has once again raised serious concerns over the company’s industrial safety standards. The incident claimed at least 14 lives, while several workers remain in critical condition.

The company, backed by industrialist Anil Agarwal, has faced repeated criticism over workplace safety across its mining, metals, oil and gas, and power operations. Historical data has often placed Vedanta under the spotlight for safety lapses.

A 2010 report on London-listed firms had identified Vedanta Resources Ltd as recording the highest number of fatalities—67 deaths—among mining companies at the time. The fallout included the British Safety Council withdrawing a previously awarded safety honour from the company and its subsidiary BALCO.

One of the most serious past incidents occurred in Korba, Chhattisgarh, where a chimney collapse led to the deaths of 40 workers. Authorities had filed culpable homicide charges against company officials, though Vedanta attributed the tragedy to adverse weather conditions.

Recent disclosures indicate that safety concerns persist. Workplace fatalities across Vedanta’s operations rose from seven in FY20 to 13 in FY23, before fluctuating and reaching seven again in FY25, including both workers and employees. Industry comparisons continue to place the company among those with relatively higher fatality figures.

Internal data from the company’s FY25 annual report also shows a sharp rise in safety-related complaints. A total of 1,363 health and safety grievances were recorded—more than double the 603 complaints logged in FY24—highlighting growing concern among employees.

Reacting to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who died and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident.

The explosion took place on April 14 at the company’s plant in Singhanatarai village in Sakti district, when a high-pressure boiler tube ruptured, releasing superheated steam estimated at nearly 600°C. Authorities have initiated both administrative and magisterial probes, while directing officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and to reassess safety protocols at the facility.

With inputs from IANS