Theft of transformers hampers irrigation in Nilphamari

If the theft continues, boro cultivation is likely to face setback. Aman production fell short of target due to drought and recurrent rainfall resulting in great loss to farmers. To recoup their losses, farmers mobilised their all resources in boro cultivation.

A total of 21 transformers were stolen recently. Out of 21, nine transformers were stolen within a span of 10 days, according to a source in the association. Five transformers were stolen from Kundapukur union, two from Itakhola union, one from Charaikhola union in Sadar upazila and another transformer was stolen from Garagram union in Kishoreganj Police Station.

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Usually a transformer supplies power to a lot of pumps for providing irrigation facilities to PBS members. Many farmers outside the association also enjoy the irrigation facilities with the help of PBS members.

According to PBS rule, beneficiary farmers are supposed to buy new transformers to replace stolen transformer. If they fail, they are deprived of irrigation facilities. Price of each 10 KV capacity transformer is Tk 34,000 while that of a 5 KV capacity transformer ranges between Tk 17,000 to 18,000.

However, beneficiary farmers guard at night in shift to resist transformer pilferage.

A Rural Electrification Project official told newsmen that they already filed theft cases, but police failed to recover single transformer or arrest any thief. The official rural electrification programme is also being hampered due to the criminal activity.