Bhupendra Savanni, the newly appointed Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), will formally assume office on Sunday, in a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and presided over by Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh. The event will also witness the inauguration and foundation laying of key solar energy initiatives totalling Rs 69.45 crore. Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao, Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, MLAs Rajesh Munat, Sunil Soni, Purandar Mishra, Motilal Sahu, Anuj Sharma, religious leader Guru Khushwant Saheb, Indra Kumar Sahu, BJP’s

 

Ajay Jamwal and State General Secretary Pawan Sai are expected to join the event as special guests. Post swearing-in, the Chief Minister will inaugurate CREDA’s pilot solar-powered battery swapping stations and solar panel–equipped e-rickshaws, built at a cost of Rs 20.78 crore. Additionally, works worth Rs 48.67 crore will be flagged off for foundation laying. CREDA CEO Rajesh Singh Rana stated that the battery swapping stations will allow e-rickshaw drivers to quickly replace discharged batteries, enhancing income and range. The solar e-rickshaws, developed as an energy-efficient upgrade, are designed to reduce dependence on frequent recharging and support longer operational cycles. The projects also include solar electrification in hostels, health centres, energy parks, and installation of solar-powered street lights, high-mast units, and community biogas plants. Fifteen works will be launched or dedicated in total under the initiative.