Bilaspur: Land erosion taking place on the banks of Arpa River in Badi Koni Ward No. 68 of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh has put people’s lives in danger. In the last few years, the river has swallowed up to 200 meters of land, causing panic among the people living in the area. The people living there are demanding immediate relief and security from the administration. The erosion of Arpa river has now increased. Recently, a part of Koni’s Kotwar house fell into the river, forcing the family to flee their home.
His grandson was seriously injured in this accident. Local women like Kamla Bai Manikpuri say that earlier the erosion was slow, but now the situation has become dangerous. The Anganwadi center located at this place was earlier 300 meters away from the river. Now it has come at a distance of only 50 feet, due to which the parents of the children are feeling afraid to send them to Anganwadi. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, the administration took immediate action and shifted the Anganwadi center to a rented house.
Illegal excavation becomes the root of trouble
Local resident Pramod Khare alleges that illegal excavation of sand has further increased the problem. Due to sand extraction, the river banks have become weak and the water flow has diverted towards them. Due to this, the rate of land erosion has increased during the rainy season.
Residents dependent on assurance from administration
Considering the seriousness of the erosion, residents of the area have appealed to the administration for help several times. The Mayor and public representatives had also inspected during the rains, but concrete action has not been taken yet. People say that the work of building the retaining wall was started, but due to allegations of corruption that work was stopped. Residents are demanding the administration to take concrete steps as soon as possible so that their homes and lives can remain safe. He says that if measures are not taken in time, there may be bigger losses in the future.
Tags: Bilaspur news, chhattisagrh news, Local18
FIRST PUBLISHED: October 9, 2024, 13:43 IST