A massive fire at Dahod solar plant in Gujarat caused destruction worth ₹400 crore. Was it sabotage or an accident? Read on to uncover key facts about this major setback to India’s green energy goals.
Massive Fire at Dahod Solar Plant: A ₹400 Crore Blow to Gujarat’s Green Energy Ambitions
In a shocking incident late Monday night, a massive fire at Dahod solar plant—a flagship green energy project in Gujarat—reduced nearly the entire site to ashes. Estimated losses have crossed ₹400 crore, with 95% of the plant’s materials reportedly destroyed. The fire broke out at Bhathiwada village and spread rapidly due to strong winds, engulfing solar panels, transformers, and cables in flames.
This project, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was set to generate 70 MW of solar power and marked a significant step in India’s renewable energy mission. The incident not only poses a massive financial setback but also raises serious concerns about sabotage, local opposition, and security at strategic infrastructure sites.
Timeline of the Incident
Let’s break down how the tragedy unfolded:
- Date & Time: The fire began around 9 PM on Monday.
- Location: Bhathiwada village, Dahod district, Gujarat.
- Project Size: 70 MW solar power plant (under construction).
- Damage Estimate: Over ₹400 crore.
- Loss: 95% of materials gutted, including solar panels, transformers, cables.
On-Ground Situation: Firefighting Efforts and Challenges
As the flames spread, NTPC personnel and fire brigades from Dahod and nearby districts rushed to the spot. However, their efforts were severely challenged:
- High flammability of equipment and materials led to repeated reignitions.
- Strong winds helped the fire spread rapidly across the entire site.
- Firefighting extended through the night, with partial control achieved only by early morning.
Major Challenges Faced:
- Uncontrolled flame due to inflammable materials.
- Remote location, causing delays in fire truck arrival.
- Lack of sufficient water resources on-site.
Possible Sabotage? Growing Local Tensions and Suspicions
As investigations began, sabotage is now being strongly suspected. According to sources and officials:
- Stone-pelting occurred earlier in the day, injuring several workers.
- CCTV footage captured individuals involved, sparking a police investigation.
- Villagers protested the project just two days earlier, halting fencing work.
Eyewitness Account:
- A local man allegedly threatened workers in the morning.
- Returned later with a group that hurled stones, escalating tensions.
- Workers were hospitalized, and the site remained tense throughout the day.
Police and Official Response
Senior police officials, including DSP Dr. Rajdeep Singh Zala, are now overseeing the on-site investigation.
NTPC, the project’s developer, confirmed that:
- There were frequent disruptions by locals.
- They had already requested police protection between April 4–18 to resume fencing work.
The cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, but all angles—including accidental fire and sabotage—are being probed.
What Was Lost: Equipment and Financial Impact
The scale of loss at the site is staggering. Here’s what has reportedly been destroyed:
| Component | Approx. Damage |
|---|---|
| Solar Panels | Completely gutted |
| Transformers | Burned and unusable |
| Cabling and Wiring | Fully destroyed |
| Supporting Structures | Partially damaged |
| Estimated Loss Value | ₹400+ crore |
These losses represent a significant investment setback for the public-private sector and could delay project completion by several months.
Why This Matters: Strategic and Environmental Implications
This isn’t just a financial loss—it’s a serious blow to India’s green energy goals.
Strategic Importance:
- The Dahod plant is part of India’s commitment to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Such incidents impact investor confidence, especially in rural, high-tension areas.
Environmental Concern:
- Burning solar equipment releases toxic fumes into the environment.
- Waste disposal post-fire will require special environmental handling.
Key Takeaways: What Needs to Change?
In light of this incident, here are some urgent action points for authorities and developers:
- Improve local engagement before large-scale infrastructure rollouts.
- Strengthen on-site security for strategic and high-value projects.
- Faster police intervention in areas with recorded community opposition.
- Mandatory fire control systems, even during the construction phase.
- Quick compensation and aid to affected workers and stakeholders.
Conclusion
The massive fire at Dahod solar plant is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities that lie within even the most ambitious development projects. As Gujarat and India strive to become global leaders in renewable energy, it is essential to address both technical safeguards and community dynamics.
Investigations are ongoing, but one thing is clear—India’s journey to green energy cannot afford such fiery setbacks again.
