A total of 196 workers lost their lives in industrial accidents across Chhattisgarh between January 2025 and May 2026, according to information presented in the state Assembly.
Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan, who also oversees Labour, shared Thursday that 122 workers died in factory accidents during 2025, while another 74 lost their lives in industrial disasters up to May 2026.
The data highlights ongoing concerns over workplace safety in industries including steel, mining, power, cement, and manufacturing, which account for a significant share of the state’s industrial workforce.
The figures were shared by the state government in response to questions raised during the Assembly session. Officials said inspections and enforcement measures are being strengthened to improve compliance with occupational safety regulations and reduce workplace fatalities.
Industrial safety experts say many accidents can be prevented through regular equipment maintenance, stricter adherence to safety protocols, effective worker training, and timely risk assessments. They have also called for stronger monitoring of hazardous workplaces and greater accountability among employers.
Some of the incidents cited in relation to these figures include the April 14 boiler explosion at Vedanta’s power plant in Singhitarai village of Sakti district, which claimed 25 lives, the tarcoal plant accident in Raigarh district in February 2026 and the accident at a steel unit in Raipur in June.
The latest figures have renewed attention on workplace health and safety standards in one of India’s key industrial states. Labour representatives have urged authorities to ensure thorough investigations into fatal incidents, adequate compensation for affected families, and stricter enforcement against companies found violating safety norms.
The state government said it will continue to monitor industrial establishments and promote stronger compliance with workplace safety requirements to reduce accidents and protect workers.
These incidents also reinforce the importance of robust occupational safety practices as industrial activity continues to expand across Chhattisgarh.
