KATHMANDU: Transformer theft has been on the rise across various districts of Madhesh Province, with 99 transformers stolen over the past five years, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Kali Charan Yadav, administration chief at the NEA Madhesh Provincial Office in Janakpur, said the thefts are largely driven by the high market value of the copper wire used inside transformers.
Mahottari recorded the highest number of thefts with 35 transformers stolen, followed by Bara (15), Dhanusha (14), Rautahat (10), Sarlahi and Siraha (nine each), Saptari (three) and Parsa (two).
The stolen transformers ranged in capacity from 15 kVA to 200 kVA.
The thefts have directly affected farmers by disrupting electricity supply needed for irrigation, making it difficult for them to irrigate crops on time.
Farmers have urged the concerned authorities to arrest those responsible and install replacement transformers without delay.
Deputy Inspector General Om Prasad Adhikari of the Madhesh Province Police Office in Janakpur said police are continuing efforts to trace the stolen transformers and identify those involved.
Comment