Vedanta Power Limited has initiated the disbursement of compensation packages following a devastating boiler blast at its Singhitarai power plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh. The incident, which occurred on April 15th, 2026, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries among plant workers, many of whom were employed by subcontractors like NGSL.
The company is providing ₹35 lakh and employment support to the families of deceased workers. Injured individuals are receiving ₹15 lakh, along with continued salary during their recovery period. These measures are being implemented alongside support from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, which has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Company teams are reportedly engaged directly with affected families, providing ongoing medical care and assistance, with specialized teams dispatched to support families outside Chhattisgarh.
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Scale of the Tragedy
Initial reports indicated nine fatalities and 15 injuries immediately after the explosion, which involved a high-pressure steam tube connecting the boiler to the turbine. Subsequent reports, however, have indicated a fluctuating death toll, with some sources stating up to 23 individuals lost their lives and a number of others sustaining injuries, some in critical condition. The exact number of victims and their circumstances remain a point of ongoing reporting and potential re-evaluation as investigations proceed.
Official Response and Investigations
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident by the Sakti administration. Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR), naming Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and other relevant personnel, citing observed negligence. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, issuing notices to the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary and Director General of Police.
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Company Operations and Background
Vedanta Power Limited is described as one of India's significant private power producers, contributing to the nation's energy infrastructure. The Singhitarai facility is a 2×600 MW power plant. The company has emphasized its ongoing engagement with affected families and commitment to support measures during this difficult period.
The incident underscores persistent concerns regarding industrial safety protocols at large-scale energy production facilities and the complexities of accountability involving both corporate entities and subcontracted labor forces.
