In the dense forests of Bastar, Maoists are adapting to the modern battlefield by incorporating solar panels into their arsenal. Seizing these panels from villages and security outposts, or ordering them online, Maoists use them to charge essential electronics like mobile phones and radios as they constantly relocate to evade security forces. As it appears, Maoists have taken to exploiting the government’s shift towards renewable energy.

Over the past few years, the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) had installed a number of solar panels in remote areas. Inadvertently, Maoists resorted to looting from villagers, but eventually they began ordering them online.

Lightweight and portable, solar panels fit into the ‘pitthoo’ backpacks carried by Maoist cadres, allowing them to charge devices crucial for communication and coordination.

Ease of Use and Availability
Bastar range IG P Sundarraj told TOI that solar panels are lightweight, easy to carry and often foldable, easily fitting into the ‘pitthoo’ (backpack) the cadres carry in forests.

“These panels are good enough to charge wireless batteries, radio sets, mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices for Maoists. Most of them are looted from villagers, who have got it under a distribution scheme. But there was never a complaint lodged against Maoists for looting solar panels from a village in bulk,” IG Sundarraj added.

Efficiency and Online Purchase
CREDA officials told TOI that these small solar panels are only 70% efficient in dense forests and cloudy weather but enough to charge phones/batteries. They said it wouldn’t be difficult for Maoists to order such panels online (the cheapest ones are a couple of thousand bucks). No village has yet requested replacement of their looted solar panels, said an officer.Under the govt scheme, solar panels of 150W-300W capacity each are installed in houses. Each is enough to power four lights and a fan. Upgraded versions come with sockets that are compatible with most gadgets and mobile phones and can be used to directly charge equipment.

Impact on Insurgency
None considered it a big loot if Maoists made off with solar panels but it’s turning out that the robbery is powering the insurgency. Solar panels of various sizes have been seized after encounters or raids on Maoist camps, indicating that they are still foraging.

Future Implications
Security officers anticipate the trend to rise with the Centre recently having cleared a Rs 24,104 crore project to electrify homes of one lakh ‘Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups’ in 18 states, including Chhattisgarh. The challenge will be to ensure that the welfare scheme doesn’t end up benefiting enemies of the state.

(With inputs from TOI)