PATIALA, PUNJAB – Multiple government schools across the Punjab region are facing significant setbacks after a coordinated theft resulted in the loss of dozens of solar panels over the weekend. The incident has left educational institutions without power and has dealt a severe blow to state-run sustainability programs.
Initial reports from local authorities indicate that thieves targeted at least three schools in the Patiala and Sangrur districts, making off with an estimated 40-50 solar panels in total. The panels, which were installed to provide reliable electricity for classrooms and computer labs, were forcibly removed from their mounting structures.
The theft has caused widespread disruption. At Government Senior Secondary School in Rajpura, classes were reportedly canceled as the stolen panels were the primary source of power for lighting and fans. School Principal, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, expressed his frustration, stating, “This is a devastating loss for our students. These panels were not just equipment; they were a step towards a better learning environment. Now, we are back to struggling with frequent power cuts.”
The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), which oversaw the installation of the panels under a state solar energy scheme, has condemned the act. A spokesperson called it “a crime not just against property, but against the future of our children and our state’s environmental goals.”
Local police have registered cases and launched an investigation. Officials suspect the operation was carried out by an organized group, given the scale and speed of the thefts. “We are investigating the possibility of the panels being sold on the black market. We are checking scrap dealers and known fencing operations in the area,” said SSP Harjit Singh.
The incident has sparked calls for increased security around public infrastructure and a review of the policy for installing valuable equipment in vulnerable, rural areas. The state government has announced it will work on a plan to replace the stolen panels and bolster security measures to prevent future occurrences.
