Information Summary
Compiled after editorial review.
- Incidents of transformer thefts intended for irrigation and drinking water schemes in Madhesh Province are increasing, causing hardship for farmers and local residents.
- According to police records, 33 transformers were stolen in Madhesh in the fiscal year 2082/83 alone, with a total of 101 thefts reported over the last five years.
- The Electricity Authority has implemented security measures such as welding, but thieves continue to bypass these protections to steal equipment.
September 18, Janakpurdham – A 100 kV transformer installed for irrigation in Ward 1 of Aurahi Municipality, Mahottari, was stolen on the night of August 13. The transformer had been installed just over a year ago on July 12, 2025 (28 Ashar 2082 BS).
Following the theft, farmers have faced difficulties irrigating their rice fields. With no reliable alternative for irrigation, this theft has caused significant problems for agriculture, explained farmer Bipin Yadav.
“The water does not arrive on time. After the transformer was installed, there was some relief, but now it has been stolen. How will we irrigate the rice fields now?” he lamented.
Earlier, on July 19 night, a transformer used for drinking water was stolen from Ward 9 in Kishore Natha Municipality, Dhanusha. Ward Chairperson Avadh Kishor Yadav said the theft disrupted preparations to operate the drinking water project. “The project was ready to start, but the theft of the transformer caused confusion,” he said.
He added that previously transformers installed between wards 8 and 9 for agricultural irrigation had also been stolen. Repeated thefts have been reported to the police administration.
On July 10, locals in Mithila Municipality Ward 2, Naktajhij of Dhanusha reported a transformer theft from the drinking water consumer committee’s transformer pole. The transformer, located in Eastern Ward 6 of Naktajhij, was taken down and its oil and coil stolen. This was the third such incident at the same location. Despite welding being done to prevent theft, thieves dismantled the welding to carry out the crime. After the theft, locals experienced water shortage for four days until a replacement transformer was installed.
In this season of rice cultivation, water scarcity has left farmers facing a drought-like situation. With surface water declining, farmers depend on electric motors powered by wells, boring, and shallow tube wells for irrigation. However, with the rising number of transformer thefts, they are growing increasingly concerned.
Moreover, as groundwater levels decrease, the general public also relies on electric motors and drinking water projects for water, but the transformers supporting these schemes are also being targeted by thieves.
Incidents of transformer theft are on a steady rise in Madhesh. According to Provincial Police Office Janakpur, 33 transformers were stolen in fiscal year 2082/83 alone.
Assistant Spokesperson SP Bheshraj Rizal detailed that Mahottari had the highest count with 11 transformers stolen, followed by 7 in Saptari, 4 each in Dhanusha and Bara, 3 in Sarlahi, 2 in Siraha, and 1 in Rautahat.
Rizal reported that data from the last five years shows an upward trend in transformer theft incidents, with a total of 101 thefts occurring from fiscal years 2078/79 through 2082/83.
Specifically, 21 transformers were stolen in 2081/82, 12 in 2080/81, 7 in 2079/80, and 28 in 2078/79. Though there was a decrease after 2078/79, the numbers have increased again in recent years.
These thefts have disrupted electricity supply and caused additional financial burdens on the Electricity Authority for new installations and repairs. Transformers located in fields away from villages, used for irrigation and drinking water schemes, are the primary targets of theft, leaving both the Authority and police administration struggling. Farmers and the general public have been significantly affected.
Maksud Alam, head of the Electricity Authority’s distribution center in Shakhuwa, Mahendranagar, said recent preventive efforts include welding on transformers to deter theft. However, thieves have managed to cut through the welds and continue stealing equipment.
“We weld transformers installed for irrigation inside the distribution center to prevent theft. Drinking water transformers are the primary targets of thieves, who cut welding with cutters and wireless tools,” he explained.
Alam added that discussions with the District Administration Office have emphasized the need for monitoring and patrols. He noted that organized theft gangs are active in stealing transformers, and police could control them if they prioritize the issue.
Transformers installed in remote fields are particularly vulnerable and pose challenges when replacing after theft.
Om Prasad Adhikari, Madhesh Province Police Chief, stated the police are taking the transformer theft incidents seriously.
“The police have expressed concern about these thefts and have held discussions with representatives from the Electricity Authority,” he said. “It is essential to implement necessary security and preventive measures.”
He stressed that welding transformers upon installation helps reduce theft to some extent, and local residents in installation areas must also maintain vigilance and security awareness.
Police officials revealed that due to limited manpower, it is challenging to ensure security coverage and meet all needs across regions.
According to the Electricity Authority’s Regional Office in Janakpur, Mujeliya, about 8,000 transformers are installed in Madhesh Province. Following the rise in thefts, the office has started raising public awareness about security and monitoring and has urged police authorities to take action.
“We request local residents near transformer sites to ensure their care, vigilance, and security, and to immediately report any line cuts by phone,” said Regional Office Chief Shambhu Kusiyait Yadav. “We have also communicated with Madhesh Province police to enhance monitoring, and with district administrations and police offices to increase patrols, supervision, and investigations to prevent thefts.”
He mentioned that three cases of transformer theft have already been registered in Dhanusha, Mahottari, and Siraha districts. He emphasized that the Authority’s monitoring alone cannot safeguard transformers and that the cooperation and vigilance of local communities are indispensable.
