Over 3,000 illegal power connections cut in Hindon floodplain drive

More than 3,000 unauthorised electricity connections were disconnected in Chotpur, Sadullapur and Chhajarsi during a three-day enforcement drive by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL).

The operation, which began on Friday, also led to the seizure of 300 metres of illegal 11kV conductor and 10 unauthorised distribution transformers, officials said. They said the floodplain settlements are among Noida’s high-loss areas for power supply.

Residents protested after lines to their homes were cut. Ravi Singh, a resident, said the lack of electricity in the summer heat was causing hardship for children and elderly people. Farmers in Chotpur held a separate protest led by Bharatiya Kisan Parishad president Sukhbir Khalifa.

Officials said a 2017 National Green Tribunal order bars electricity connections in flood-prone areas, including the three localities. In Parthala, enforcement teams found a 200kVA transformer in a locked house that was allegedly being used to supply an entire colony; officials said a lookout notice had been issued for its owner.

UPPCL said people seeking supply should obtain valid, metered connections. The reported number of FIRs filed during the drive is unclear: officials described 29 cases by Saturday and 12 more on Sunday, while the overall tally was reported differently.