Calling Arpa river as the pride of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday laid the foundation of the Arpa Development and Riverbank Augmentation work which is expected to clean up the water body and also develop the area.

"This river is an inseparable part of our cultural identity. The first word of our state song is also dedicated to Arpa," Baghel said while virtually addressing the programme from his residence here.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 93.70 crores.

The programme was presided over by Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu. Urban Administration and Development Minister Dr Shivkumar Dahariya was a special guest. Baghel said that Sunday's event was the beginning of a long-awaited development and revival of Arpa river in Bilaspur district.

He said that under the project, a 1.80-km ultra-modern four-lane road will be built from Indira Bridge to Shanichari Rapta on both the shores. This will help smoothen and systemize traffic.

Both the shores of the river will be beautified. The entire length of the road will be lit with attractive street and solar lights. Frozen silt removal will also start in the river.

Peripheral drains will be constructed on both sides of the road to prevent contamination of the river water. The waste water of the city will be channeled to a Sewerage Treatment Plant and later the clean water will be released into the river.

Minister Sahu hoped that the project will be completed in a time-bound manner.

Collector Dr Saransh Mittar said that in future facilities such as water sports and boating will be developed along the river banks.