Mystery Surrounds Disappearance of Power Transmission Towers in

Itanagar, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 14 Jul: In a development that has left more questions than answers, two 25-metre-high steel power transmission towers and an entire stretch of an alternative electricity transmission line have reportedly disappeared from Lower Dibang Valley district, raising serious concerns over the safety and monitoring of critical public infrastructure.

The missing towers were located across the Sisiri river between Aohali and Dambuk. Constructed under the Government of India’s Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme at a reported cost of over Rs 3 crore, the infrastructure served as the only 11 kV transmission line supplying electricity to Dambuk and Paglam subdivisions through the Pasighat-Mebo feeder until 2022, when the XLPE cable project across the Dibang river was commissioned.

The disappearance of the two towering steel structures and the transmission line has baffled residents and raised questions over how such critical government infrastructure could vanish without attracting official attention. The implications of this incident are significant, as it not only affects the power supply but also raises concerns about the management and protection of public assets in the region.

What makes the incident even more intriguing is that no FIR or formal complaint has reportedly been lodged. Sources said local residents remained unaware that the towers had gone missing, attributing the recurring power disruptions during the monsoon to landslides and other seasonal factors. The structures were reportedly last seen about one-and-a-half years ago, which raises alarming questions about the oversight and monitoring of infrastructure in the region.

The matter surfaced after power supply to Dambuk subdivision became increasingly unreliable following a fault in the XLPE cable transmission system laid across the Dibang river. With the 132 kV transmission line being constructed by Powergrid yet to be commissioned, the subdivision has been witnessing prolonged power outages. These outages have led to significant disruptions in daily life and economic activities in Dambuk and Paglam, which rely heavily on a stable electricity supply.

According to sources, the now-missing transmission line served as a vital standby source of electricity whenever the main transmission system developed faults. Its disappearance has effectively removed the only alternative route for power supply, leaving Dambuk and Paglam subdivisions heavily dependent on a single transmission network. This situation not only jeopardizes the reliability of electricity in these areas but also poses a risk to local businesses and essential services that depend on uninterrupted power supply.

The disappearance has also raised several unanswered questions. How could two 25-metre-tall steel towers and an entire transmission line disappear without the knowledge of the authorities? If the infrastructure was dismantled, who authorised its removal? Was the Government of India, under whose scheme the project was executed, informed before the structures were removed? If the towers were stolen, how could such a large-scale operation take place without attracting the attention of either the authorities or local residents? These questions highlight the need for improved monitoring and accountability in the management of public infrastructure.

The transmission line was a key component of Dambuk’s power infrastructure. It was commissioned on 21 April, 2015, when the then power minister Tanga Byaling formally switched on the electricity supply, significantly improving power connectivity to the subdivision. The introduction of this infrastructure was a major milestone for the region, which had historically faced challenges in accessing reliable electricity.

In 2022, the power network was further strengthened with the commissioning of an 11 kV overhead line and the laying of a 185 sq mm three-core 11 kV XLPE cable along the Dibang (Sikang) bridge, directly linking Dambuk to the 132 kV substation in Roing. The project was intended to ensure stable voltage and provide a more reliable electricity supply to the subdivision. The enhancements made to the power infrastructure were part of a broader effort by the government to improve energy access in remote areas and stimulate local economic development.

Ironically, the older transmission line, which continued to serve as a crucial backup during outages, is now reportedly missing. This situation underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure in remote regions, where maintenance and oversight may be less rigorous than in urban areas. The loss of this infrastructure not only disrupts power supply but also raises concerns about the potential for similar incidents to occur in the future.

As of the filing of this report, there was no official confirmation from the Power Department on whether the towers and transmission line had been dismantled under any authorised plan or whether their disappearance was the result of theft or any other unlawful act. It also remains unclear whether any departmental inquiry has been initiated into the matter. The lack of clarity surrounding this incident has left residents anxious and frustrated, as they seek answers and accountability from the authorities responsible for managing public infrastructure.

Local leaders and community members have begun to voice their concerns, calling for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the towers and transmission line. They emphasize the need for transparency and accountability to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The situation has sparked discussions about the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and the role of local governance in monitoring and maintaining public assets.

In conclusion, the disappearance of the power transmission towers in Lower Dibang Valley district raises significant questions about the management and protection of public infrastructure in the region. The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate impact on electricity supply, highlighting the need for improved oversight and accountability in the management of critical assets. As residents await answers, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard essential services in remote areas.