New Delhi: Vedanta Limited on Wednesday said it will provide Rs 35 lakh compensation and employment support to families of workers killed in the boiler explosion at Athena power plant in Chhattisgarh, while those injured will receive Rs 15 lakh. “We stand firmly with the affected families and will provide Rs 35 lakh and employment support to families of the deceased, and Rs 15 lakh to the injured, along with salary continuation until recovery and counselling support,” the company said in a post on X.
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The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon at the company’s facility in Singhitarai village in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh, when a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine exploded. Police said the death toll has increased to 16 after three more injured workers succumbed.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal said he was deeply anguished by the “extremely tragic accident” and expressed solidarity with those affected. “Your tears are mine, your pain is my own,” he said. “In this hour of grief, I stand fully with you. Our complete support and every possible assistance is with you.”
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He added that a high-level investigation has been initiated into the incident. “All necessary procedures will be fully followed. We will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this matter,” he said.
Reiterating the company’s stance, he said a full investigation is underway and due processes will be followed. “No stone will be left unturned,” he added.