On the lines of river Arpa, preparations are on to give a facelift to river Kharun. A wide-scale cleanliness and tree-plantation drive will be launched alongside the banks of the river.
The river, which snakes through five districts, runs up to 157 km. Rural Development Minister Ajay Chandrakar has expressed his interest in the project. Commissioner Bl Tiwari has been appointed as the nodal officer for the project that will begin from March 1. Recently, a meeting of officers of Rural Development Department was held with the Minister.
It has been decided that in the first phase, a tree-plantation drive will be launched on the banks of the river. Tiwari has met collectors of five districts to discuss the action plan.
According to the sources, unlike for Arpa river, a development authority will not be set up for the Kharun project. Officers from various Government departments will look after the work.
Kharun originates from Dhamtari, crosses Raipur, Balod, Durg and Bemetara where its confluences at the Somnath Sangam. Over 90 villages prosper alongside its banks.
The plantation drive will begin from March 1 and continue till before the arrival of monsoons. Assistance will be sought from MNREGA and village panchayats. MNREGA will fund the project.
The plantation will help prevent soil erosion that is going on at an alarming rate. Budget of `1 crore is sanctioned to fence the river in few spots.