Solar power infrastructure in Bihar becomes target of Maoist attack

A group of Maoists this week attacked and blown up a solar power plant located in Gaya, Bihar. Local media report that the attack damaged the control room and worker’s accommodation unit, and that the reason behind the attack is apparently nonpayment of levy irking the Maoists, which detonated an improvised explosive device on the premises of the plant. 

While a case has been launched by the Police, Tata Power confirmed to pv magazine the extent of the damages. “Our local team,” the company said in its statement, “is monitoring the incident closely and so far, there have been no reports of any injury or harm to any person. There has been damage to property. We deeply condemn this attack and are cooperating with the authorities to ensure quick and appropriate action. As a responsible company, safety of our workers has always been at the core of our values and we have always ensured safe execution of all our projects. While the police is conducting its own investigation into this incident, we will ensure that all medical support is provided to our workers, if required.”

Bihar’s remote regions have often been prone to such incidents of attack from Maoists, recent being a community hall being under construction being attacked and now the solar plant.

Tata Power’s solar facility in Gaya Bihar has a capacity of 30 MW and provides with power the Sherghati sub – division.

Bihar launched its new solar policy in May. Under the new plan, the state government is planning to deploy 2.9 GW of PV capacity by 2022. This target includes 1 GW of rooftop solar power.