Vedanta, a prominent mining company, is facing renewed scrutiny following a tragic boiler tube explosion at its power plant in Chhattisgarh. The incident resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives, with several others in critical condition. Over the years, Vedanta, backed by Anil Agarwal, has been a subject of concern regarding industrial safety due to reported workplace fatalities in its various businesses including mining, metals, oil, and gas.
In a notable incident, a chimney collapse in Korba, Chhattisgarh, resulted in the deaths of 40 workers, leading to culpable homicide charges against company officials. Despite past incidents, recent reports indicate that safety issues within Vedanta have not been completely addressed. The company’s annual reports show a fluctuating trend in workplace fatalities, with a rise from seven deaths in FY20 to 13 in FY23, before dropping and then increasing again to seven deaths in FY25.
Vedanta has also faced criticism for a significant increase in internal complaints related to workplace safety. In FY25 alone, employees and workers lodged 1,363 health and safety-related complaints, more than double the number recorded in FY24. The company’s safety record has drawn attention, with industry comparisons highlighting Vedanta among firms with relatively high fatality rates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and State Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai have expressed condolences over the recent tragedy, announcing compensations for the victims’ families and the injured. The incident, which occurred on April 14 at the company’s plant in Singhanatarai village, involved a high-pressure boiler tube rupture, releasing superheated steam at an estimated temperature of around 600 degrees celsius.
