3,800-metre copper cable stolen from Chandigarh solar power plants within a month

These thefts occurred at power plants at two waterworks in Sector 37 and Sector 39 and one at the Government Polytechnic for Women College, Sector 10.

Besides interrupting electricity generation, the thefts have also raised serious concerns related to the security of solar panels installed in public places, including parks, waterworks and educational institutes. (File)

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More than 3,800-metre copper cable was stolen from at least three Chandigarh solar power plants in the last month, according to officials. These thefts occurred at power plants at two waterworks in Sector 37 and Sector 39 and one at the Government Polytechnic for Women College, Sector 10, they said.

Besides interrupting electricity generation at these plants, three thefts have also raised serious concerns related to the security of solar panels installed in public places, including parks, waterworks and educational institutes. Sources said the possibility of one particular gang behind all three thefts could not be ruled out.

Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology (Crest) takes care of the solar power plants. A senior Crest officer, requesting anonymity, says, “The copper wire transmits the generated DC electricity from the solar panels to the power meters, lights and other points. These thefts halted the energy transmission from the solar panels to the grid. Many solar lights were not illuminated. The interruption of solar energy has been restored to a large extent. The waterworks, Sector 37, and Sector 39, where solar power plants were installed are vast areas. The police have started an investigation”.

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Ranish Sharma, project manager with Crest, reported that approximately 1,200-metre copper cable was stolen from 1100-kwp power plants installed at waterworks, Sector 37, on November 6. A case was registered at the Sector 39 police station. Assistant project manager Nitish Sharma reported that 1,800 metres of copper cable were stolen from a solar power plant installed at waterworks, Sector 39, on November 11.

The police said project director, Crest, Bhupinder Singh, reported that 800-metre copper cables and 200 numbers of damaged modules were stolen from the 300kwp solar power plant installed at Government Polytechnic for Women College, Sector-10 on December 2.

Inspector Sukhdeep Singh, SHO, Sector 3 police station, said, “There was no CCTV camera installed at the boundary wall of Government Polytechnic for Women College, Sector 10, from where copper cables were stolen. We are probing the matter.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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