On the initiative of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, rivers, drains and natural water sources in the state are being revived through the Narva (Nala) Development Scheme to conserve and recharge ground water.

The Narva Development Scheme operated in the state is actually a component of Narva, Gurwa, Ghurwa, Bari (NGGB) of the Chhattisgarh government's ambitious Suraji village scheme.  Rapid treatment of drains is being done to save rain water.

In the first phase, 1,385 Narvas have been identified, out of which 1,372 drains are being built by erecting structures like boulder checks, street plugs, brush hoods and percolation tanks with a view to retain rain water.

So far, 71,831 structures of various types have been approved to conserve rain water in 1,310 drains. Of this, 51,742 structures have come up. Another 9,685 structures are being raised.

The almost two years of work has led to positive results vis-a-vis water conservation.

The Central government has not only appreciated the campaign but felicitated Surajpur and Bilaspur districts with the National Water Award.

There has been an unprecedented increase in the ground water level in the areas where Narva treatment has been done. 

Due to water logging in the drains, farmers have started cultivating green vegetables along with crops. The water in the drains is useful for irrigation purposes. 

Along with the conservation of water, organic farming is being encouraged to improve the production of nutritious food grains, fruits and vegetables so that villages become prosperous.