There is a desperate need to promote the use of electric vehicles in Chhattisgarh due to the problem of air pollution, Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar said on Monday.

“The Chhattisgarh government is committed to provide every possible support to the mission of promoting electric vehicles and solar energy in the state," he said.

The Minister was addressing officials regarding the formulation of the Chhattisgarh State Electric Policy held under the aegis of the Transport Department here.

Akbar said that as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, they are determined to make Chhattisgarh an 'Electric Vehicle Hub' and a pollution-free state.

Keeping in view the demand for sustainable energy and the need to reduce air pollution, the use of solar energy was being reflected upon as the main option.

Most vehicles in Chhattisgarh run on petrol and diesel. To meet this huge demand of fuel, "we depend on other countries and the increasing fuel prices affect the entire economy.

"Under these circumstances, electric vehicles have emerged as a good alternative. For this, every possible initiative is being taken to promote the use and circulation of electric vehicle in Chhattisgarh," he said.

Regarding the formulation of the Chhattisgarh State Electric Vehicle Policy, the Minister said it was also necessary to build electric vehicle parks and charging stations for systematic running and charging of electric vehicles in the state.

Some urban bodies and companies have set up their own charging stations and there was a need to set up more such stations.

Solar energy is the best option for Chhattisgarh because of the state's geographical location, he said.

He said the Chhattisgarh government was providing various facilities to encourage the use of electric vehicles.