In a remarkable display of community participation, Bilaspur witnessed over 2,000 volunteers uniting for the ‘Arpa Utthan’ campaign, a large-scale cleanliness drive organized by the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation to mark World Water Day. The campaign aimed at rejuvenating the Arpa River, widely regarded as Bilaspur’s lifeline. Volunteers, public representatives, and social organisations worked alongside local authorities from Indira Setu to Ram Setu, collectively clearing debris, hyacinths, and solid waste from the riverbed to restore its natural flow. Prominent figures like Atal Bihari Vajpayee University Vice-Chancellor ADN Vajpayee, Mayor Pooja Vidhani, Collector Awanish Kumar Sharan, SSP Rajnesh Singh, and Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar actively participated in the drive. Vice-Chancellor ADN Vajpayee described the initiative as a vital step towards environmental preservation and urged citizens to treat the river with respect.

 

“We must avoid dumping waste or pollutants that one wouldn’t consume themselves,” he stated. Mayor Pooja Vidhani emphasised that Arpa River symbolises Bilaspur’s identity and hailed the massive public participation as a powerful reflection of the emotional bond citizens share with the river. She called for continued community responsibility to ensure Arpa remains clean and beautiful. Collector Awanish Kumar Sharan highlighted that the campaign aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Bilaspur on March 30, prompting intensified efforts to ensure a clean and presentable city. Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar informed that the campaign is part of an ongoing fortnight-long drive aimed at sustaining cleanliness and rejuvenating the river. He announced that future initiatives would include enhanced public engagement to maintain momentum.

 

The cleanup effort resulted in the removal of 19.03 tonnes of waste, including 10 tonnes of water hyacinth and 9.03 tonnes of solid debris such as plastic and discarded materials. The operation required 45 tractor trips to transport the collected waste to designated disposal sites.

 

The campaign saw active participation from various social and political groups, government employees, and volunteers from institutions such as SECL, Central University, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee University. The Chhattisgarh High Court has previously issued directives for the preservation of the Arpa River, and authorities confirmed that efforts are being carried out in line with these guidelines. To prevent future pollution, the Municipal Corporation is constructing four Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to stop untreated wastewater from entering the river. Additionally, plans for three new STPs in Shanichari, Tilak Nagar, and Chingrajpara are currently in the proposal stage.