KATHMANDU: Incidents of transformer theft have been increasing in several districts of Madhes Province, with 99 transformers stolen over the past five years, according to Nepal Electricity Authority’s Madhes Provincial Office in Janakpur.

Administrative chief Kalicharan Yadav said the rise in thefts is largely driven by the high market value of copper wire used inside transformers.
Mahoattari recorded the highest number of thefts with 35 transformers stolen, followed by Bara with 15, Dhanusha with 14, Rautahat with 10, Sarlahi and Siraha with nine each, Saptari with three, and Parsa with two.

The stolen transformers ranged in capacity from 15 kVA to 200 kVA.
The thefts have directly affected farmers, many of whom have been unable to irrigate their fields on time due to disrupted electricity supply.
Farmers have urged the authorities to arrest those responsible and install replacement transformers as soon as possible.

Deputy Inspector General Om Prasad Adhikari of the Madhes Province Police Office in Janakpur said efforts are underway to trace the stolen transformers and investigate the incidents.