摘要：Bilaspur city is second largest city of the Chhattisgarh state and the River Arpa is the lifeline of this district.Arpa River has its origin from the lust dense forest area of Khondari-Khongsara. In 147 kms of the riverlength, it contributes more than 90 kms to the forest area, including Bilaspur city and irrigated lands of thisdistrict before meeting to Seonath river. The river is having catchment area of about 2022 sq. km. Duringrainy season its water level raises 2-3 meters up and in summer it moves 5 meters down. The river bed ismostly sandy with thickness of about 1.5 meter and few rock exposures at some places. More than tencheck dams (Khondari, Belgahana, Lachhanpur, Rapta, Torwa, Darrighat, Sherwani, Kaneri, Mangla, etc.)have been constructed on this river. Earlier these check dams were constructed to overcome the problem ofirrigation and for human welfare. But due to reduction in water level of origin site since last five years its watercontent is decreasing day by day and these check dams have become danger for the livelihood in the area.The maximum part of rain water gets stored in these check dams and is used by the people as a result littlewater reaches to Bilaspur city. Deforestation around the banks of Arpa river near the Bilaspur city hasincreased the pollution, thereby making the environment unstable. Study reveals that the sincere effortsneed to be taken to manage the various check dams on the river for successful harvesting and recycling ofrain water during monsoon season so that microenvironment of the city can not be adversely affected.
