TFP Bureau,Raipur, September 28, 2025: The Industrial Health and Safety, Labor Department has ordered the immediate suspension of manufacturing and maintenance operations at Godavari Power & Ispat Limited’s 1.8 MTPA pellet plant in Silatara, Raipur, after a fatal accident claimed six lives and left six others injured. The closure comes in the wake of serious violations of the Factories Act, 1948.
Officials from the department reached the factory on September 26 to investigate the incident. Their findings revealed that while workers were engaged in furnace chamber PM-02 of the traveling grate building, a castable wall and accretion suddenly collapsed, trapping the workers inside. Six workers died on the spot, while six others sustained injuries and were rushed to Shree Narayana Hospital, Raipur, for treatment.
In its directive, the Labor Department stated that the pellet plant will remain closed until the management ensures strict compliance with all prescribed safety standards and implements robust worker welfare measures. Officials emphasized that adherence to health and safety provisions under the Factories Act is non-negotiable.
The factory management, meanwhile, has extended financial assistance of ₹4.6 million to the families of the deceased workers. Additionally, it has committed to providing permanent employment to one eligible member from each bereaved family.
Authorities have made it clear that the suspension will not be lifted until all corrective measures are put in place to prevent recurrence of such incidents, reaffirming the government’s stand on prioritizing worker safety over industrial operations.
