Over 200 solar lights stolen from Gomati embankment road in Cumilla

Over 200 solar-powered street lights have been stolen from a road along the Gomati River in Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila, leaving residents facing security concerns and difficulties travelling at night.

Residents alleged that the lights, installed along nearly 5km of road in Panchthubi Union, were stolen one by one without drawing the attention of the authorities.

They said the solar lights had made the road safer and easier to use after dark. Since the thefts, however, pedestrians have been forced to travel in darkness, raising fears of muggings and robberies.

According to the Upazila administrator's office, over 500 solar street lights were installed in 2023 along a 6km stretch of the Gomati River embankment road from Palpara to Golabari under several development projects.

Each light cost at least Tk 58,000 to install, bringing the total project cost to around Tk 30 million.

Based on the number of lights stolen, officials estimate that government property worth around Tk 12.5 million has been lost.

Following reports of the thefts, Cumilla Sadar Upazila administrator (UNO) Fatema Tuz Zohra said an investigation committee would be formed.

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan said he had instructed the UNO and other officials to investigate those responsible for the thefts.

He added that steps were also being taken to reinstall the stolen lights as quickly as possible.