Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on the second day of his visit to Raigarh district on Sunday, laid the foundation stone for the ‘Narva’ development works at a cost of Rs 1.43 crores on Chakradharpur Nala (rivulet) in village Junwani.
Later, he interacted with farmers at the Bangursiya paddy procurement centre before leaving for Bilaspur.
The Chief Minister inspected the ‘Narva’ development works. He directed the officials to plant fruit-bearing trees on both banks of the rivulet, saying these will benefit both wild animals and villagers, an official communication said.
The Chakradharpur rivulet is formed by two streams of Dhengur and Ranidarha. Later, it merges with Kelo river in Raigarh district.
Divisional Forest Officer Pranay Mishra briefed Baghel that the rivulet travels around 35 km and nine villages exist on the banks. Different small structures from boulders, wood and stop dams have been built to hold the water. It will benefit the villagers.
On similar structures constructed on Bagh rivulet, farmers are using the water for agriculture.
The Chief Minister visited the Bangursiya paddy procurement centre and held discussions with farmers of villages Bhelvatikra, Barliya, Regda and others. He sought details on the farming, crop area, quantity sold and payment received, gunny bags and related issues.
Bhelvatikra farmer Kedar Patel said he has 20 acres and has sold 200 quintals of paddy and got Rs 3.73 lakh. He bought a thresher using the money. Farmer Akhan Lal said he had earned Rs 12,000 by selling 60 quintals of cow dung.