CS Vikas Sheel Chairs River Rejuvenation Projects in Chhattisgarh

A meeting of the state-level committee constituted on the directions of the Chhattisgarh High Court for the revival and rejuvenation of the state’s major rivers was held today at Mahanadi Bhawan, Mantralaya, under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel.

The meeting conducted a detailed review of ongoing river revival works across districts. Officials noted that river conservation is directly linked to public health and the environment. Discussions were held with district collectors on various water conservation and harvesting action plans prepared for river catchment areas.

Follow High Court Guidelines, Involve Local Bodies: CS
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel directed collectors to undertake river revival and rejuvenation works as per High Court guidelines. He said projects in catchment areas should be public-utility works aligned with the future needs of communities living near rivers.

He stressed that local sarpanchs and public representatives must be actively involved in works taken up in catchment areas. Collectors were also asked to document the historical background of rivers originating in their districts to create awareness among students.

School Visits, Fairs at River Origins Proposed
The Chief Secretary instructed that local school students be taken on visits to river origin sites, and competitions be organized to enhance awareness about rivers. He also suggested holding fairs and cultural events at river origins to promote public engagement.

Collectors of Raigarh, Korba, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Surguja, Koriya, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Gariaband, and Dhamtari presented detailed updates on the actual status of rivers in their districts and ongoing action plans and projects. Collectors were also briefed on district-level committees for river conservation and promotion.

Plans via CAMPA, MGNREGA, DMF; Link River Sites to Tourism
Chief Secretary Sheel directed collectors to prepare diverse action plans for tree plantation, water harvesting, water recharge, and construction of water structures in catchment areas using funds from CAMPA, MGNREGA, DMF, and other heads.

He further asked officials to prepare action plans to link important river sites with tourism. Strict monitoring was ordered to ensure no waste is dumped into rivers.

Technical Inputs from Experts
Professor Dr. M.K. Verma presented detailed technical information on river water conservation. Hydrologist Prof. Ishtiyaq Ahmed from NIT also shared key technical inputs on river water conservation and environment via video conference.

The meeting was attended by Water Resources Department Secretary Shri Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, Urban Administration & Development Secretary Ms. R. Shangeetha, and officials from Finance, Panchayat & Rural Development, Forest & Climate Change, Mining, Chhattisgarh Pollution Control Board, and Central Ground Water Board.

TGP 50-Word Brief:
Chhattisgarh’s state panel on river revival met under CS Vikas Sheel in Raipur. Reviewing district plans, he ordered works per HC guidelines, local participation, school visits to river origins, and tourism linkage. CAMPA, MGNREGA, DMF funds to be used. Experts shared technical inputs. Strict vigil on waste dumping mandated.

Social Caption:
River Revival Push in Chhattisgarh
CS-led panel reviews state river projects
Catchment plans, school visits, tourism link ordered
CAMPA, DMF funds for recharge structures
Zero waste in rivers: strict monitoring
THE GOVERNANCE POST

Quote Card:
“Link river origins to tourism and schools. Locals must be part of catchment works.”
– Vikas Sheel, Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh

Want a district-wise table of the 8 collectors who presented, or an explainer “Why River Catchment Areas Matter”?