Chhattisgarh River Revival: What instructions did the Chief Secretary give for the revival and conservation of rivers in Chhattisgarh? Which schemes will be used for water conservation and tree plantation in river catchment areas? How will students and local public representatives be connected to the river conservation campaign?
The identity of Chhattisgarh has been linked to its rich natural wealth and water resources. But amidst the changing environmental conditions, increasing urbanization and increasing pressure on water sources, the challenge of conservation and revitalization of rivers is also increasing continuously. In this direction, the state government has taken an important step and conducted a comprehensive review of the revival and revitalization works of the major rivers of the state.
On Monday, a meeting of the state level committee formed on the instructions of Chhattisgarh High Court was held at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur. The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Vikassheel, in which the ongoing schemes for conservation, promotion and rejuvenation of rivers flowing in various districts were reviewed.
River revitalization work will be done as per the instructions of the High Court
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary gave clear instructions to all the District Collectors that the work related to revival and revival of rivers should be done as per the guidelines of the High Court. He said that conservation of rivers is not only a matter of environment, but it is also related to public health, water security and the future of the coming generations. He directed the officials to give priority to such public utility works in the catchment areas of the rivers, which can directly benefit the local community and which are helpful in water conservation in the long term.
Emphasis on connecting local public representatives and sarpanches
The Chief Secretary said that it is necessary to link the river conservation campaign with public participation. For this, active participation of local sarpanches, public representatives and rural communities should be ensured. He asked the collectors to document the history and cultural significance of the rivers originating in their respective districts, so that the new generation can get information about their natural heritage.
Initiative to connect students with river conservation
Education and environmental awareness were also given special importance in the meeting. The Chief Secretary suggested that school students should be taken on a tour to the origin places of rivers. Along with this, competitions should be organized on the subjects of river conservation and water management. He also talked about organizing fairs, festivals and public awareness programs at the origin places of rivers, so that the involvement of local people can increase.
Focus on tree plantation, water recharge and water conservation projects
In the meeting, emphasis was laid on expediting tree plantation, construction of water catchment structures, water recharge and water conservation projects in the catchment areas of rivers. The Chief Secretary directed that comprehensive action plans should be prepared using VBGRAM, CAMPA, MNREGA, DMF and other available financial sources. This will not only promote water conservation but will also increase employment opportunities in rural areas.
Preparation to connect river banks with tourism
The state government is now also working on the possibilities of connecting important sites of rivers with tourism. In the meeting, officials were instructed to identify such places and prepare an action plan for tourism development.
There will be strict monitoring on dumping waste in rivers
The Chief Secretary gave clear instructions to the officials that no garbage, industrial waste or polluting substances should be dumped into the rivers. For this, it was asked to develop regular monitoring system and ensure better coordination between the concerned agencies.
Experts shared technical information
In the meeting, experts related to the field of water conservation and river management also gave important suggestions. Professor Dr. M.K. Verma gave a detailed presentation on the technical aspects of river water conservation. NIT hydrologist Professor Ishtiaq Ahmed shared information on important points related to river conservation, groundwater management and environmental balance through video conferencing.
Senior officers of many departments were present
Senior officials of Water Resources Department, Urban Administration and Development Department, Finance Department, Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Forest and Climate Change Department, Mineral Department, Chhattisgarh Pollution Control Board and Central Ground Water Board participated in the meeting. The State Government believes that the goal of conservation and revitalization of rivers can be effectively achieved through coordinated efforts of various departments.