NTPC’s Unchahar unit at Raebareli, witnessed a blast leading to serious casualties, 20 people were reported dead and several were reported seriously injured.

NTPC’s Unchahar plant is a coal-based power station that provides power to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttranchal. The power’s first unit was commissioned in 1998 and the last and sixth unit was commissioned in 2006.

The plant has a capacity of 840 MW (2×210 + 2×210 MW) in Stage I & II and 210 MW (1×210 MW) in Stage III.

The plant derives its power from coal source in North Karanpura and water from Sarda Sahayak Canal.

An inquiry has been set up by NTPC management to investigate the reasons for the accident.

This incident again points to the importance of electrical, fire and operational safety aspects in any industry. Safety audits, not only expose you to unforeseen risk identification but goes a long way in avoiding such incidents.