Ajay Devgan to invest in solar energy sector in Chhattisgarh

After big screen, bollywood star Ajay Devgan is now planning to show his skill in the non conventional energy sector.

The actor does not plan to play the role of an investor in his “new venture”. Literally, he is mooting a plan to invest in the solar energy sector in Chhattisgarh that has been endowed with rich minerals.

“Ajay Devjan has showed his interest to set up a solar energy plant in Chhattisgarh,” a government spokesperson told Business Standard. He met the chief minister, Raman Singh in Mumbai on Thursday and discussed about the proposal.

Singh invited the bollywood star to visit Chhattisgarh during the Rajyotsav—the state’s foundation day function from November 1 to November 7. The state government is also organizing a global investors’ meet on November 2 and 3 to attract investment in the state.

According to the officials in the energy department, Devjan-- the first Bollywood personality to acquire a private jet for transport to shooting locations, promotions and personal trips-- has also expressed interest in setting up Solar PV (photovoltaic) manufacturing unit. The unit will manufacture Polysilicon, Ingots, wafers, PV Cells and PV modules

“The proposals are only in the initial stage as the actor has held discussion with the state officials,” the officials said, adding that Devjan has assured to visit the state to go ahead with the plan.

Chhattisgarh, which shares about 17 per cent of country’s total coal reserve, has decided not to draw further investment in the core sector that includes thermal power. Instead, the state government will encourage the downstream industries. Drawing investment in solar power is high on the agenda of the state government.

The officials say the state has a huge potential for the solar energy. Initially, about 1250 remote unelectrified forest villages, which could not be electrified through the conventional power, were required to be electrified through the solar power. Chhattisgarh has about 44 per cent of the forest area and it requires solar energy to light a lamp in the pocket.reover, the police stations located in the Naxal heartland are also powered with the solar energy. Since the rebels damage the electricity line, the government has planned to ensure power supply in all the police stations in the red zone through the solar energy.