Studies on the Impact of Arpa River Check Dams on the Microenvironment of District Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

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 river length, it contributes more than 90 kms to the forest area, including Bilaspur city and irrigated lands of this district before meeting to Seonath river. The river is having catchment area of about 2022 sq. km. During rainy season its water level raises 2-3 meters up and in summer it moves 5 meters down. The river bed is mostly sandy with thickness of about 1.5 meter and few rock exposures at some places. More than ten check 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 of irrigation and for human welfare. But due to reduction in water level of origin site since last five years its water content 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 little water reaches to Bilaspur city. Deforestation around the banks of Arpa river near the Bilaspur city has increased the pollution, thereby making the environment unstable. Study reveals that the sincere efforts need to be taken to manage the various check dams on the river for successful harvesting and recycling of rain water during monsoon season so that microenvironment of the city can not be adversely affected.