NTPC explosion: NHRC issues notice to UP govt, seeks detailed report within 6 weeks

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New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government seeking a detailed report of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) explosion within six weeks.

The commission directed the state government to look into the matter and keep a track on whether the families of deceased are suitably compensated by the monetary relief.

NHRC also asked UP government to ensure that the best treatment is provided to the injured persons and steps are taken for their rehabilitation.

"I met families of victims from other regions. NTPC will help them in every way to take their bodies," Power Minister RK Singh told news agency ANI.

An explosion ripped a boiler in NTPC's Unchahar plant in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli district leaving 30 people dead and injuring another 80.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the family of those killed in the explosion.

While few are still feared trapped inside the coal-fired plant, the total number of casualties is likely to go up after the blades of the boiler are cut up, said the Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday.

The incident took place when the ash-pipe exploded due to pressure at the NTPC plant in Unchahar area

More than 150 ambulances were pressed into relief and rescue work that was affected by a huge ball of dust that rose after the 500-MW boiler (power generating unit) exploded.

Nearly 22 victims with severe burn injuries have been sent to Lucknow and 15 victims in Raebareli hospital.

In an addition to the PM's declaration, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 50,000 for critically injured and Rs. 25,000 for those with minor injuries.