River Arpa: The Lifeline of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Rivers have always been important to humans, and many of the world"s ancient and greatest civilisations were established near rivers. River landscapes have served as areas for settlements, infrastructure, and production for several thousand years. The River Arpa is a major tributary of the river Seonath that meets with river Mahanadi in central India. Arpa River is regarded as the very core of the economic sustenance of Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. The economy, culture, tradition, and livelihood are all inextricably linked to the river and surrounding forests. Round the year Arpa river goes on making the agricultural lands of district more fertile, and Bilaspur contributes considerably to the state"s total annual crop production. Apart from its economic viability, the Arpa river with its scenic beauty also provides a significant boost to the tourism industry of the district. Arpa river is one of the vital strongholds of district and thus it is indeed a lifeline of Bilaspur.