Lifeline of Korba to Get a New Lease of Life: Hasdeo River to Be Revived with ₹165 Crore Project

Raipur, April 2026: The Hasdeo River, considered the lifeline of Korba, is set to regain its lost purity as a major environmental restoration project worth ₹165 crore has been approved under the AMRUT Mission 2.0. This initiative marks a significant step toward pollution control and sustainable water management in the region.

For years, untreated sewage from 11 major drains in the city has been directly flowing into the Hasdeo River, severely affecting its water quality. To address this long-standing issue, the government has approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art tertiary treatment plant with a capacity of 20 MLD (million litres per day).

Once operational, the plant will treat approximately 33 million litres of wastewater daily before it enters the river. Using advanced scientific techniques, the treated water will significantly reduce pollution levels and help restore the river’s natural flow and cleanliness.

This project is expected to place Korba among a select group of 12 cities in India equipped with such advanced water treatment infrastructure. It reflects a strong commitment by both the Central and State governments toward environmental conservation and urban sustainability.

Beyond river rejuvenation, the initiative also highlights a “waste to wealth” model. Instead of letting treated water go to waste, it will be purchased by NTPC at predetermined rates. This will ensure a steady supply of clean water for industrial use while simultaneously boosting the revenue of the municipal corporation and promoting groundwater conservation.

District Collector Kunal Dudawat described the project as a historic milestone for Korba. He noted that the plan has been developed in line with the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal and represents a scientific and long-term solution to the city’s water pollution challenges.

The tendering process for the project is currently underway, and construction work is expected to begin soon. Once completed, the initiative will not only rejuvenate the Hasdeo River but also set a benchmark for sustainable urban water management.

Under AMRUT Mission 2.0, this project aims to ensure that Korba progresses as a model city where industrial growth goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. It is expected to benefit future generations by preserving natural resources and promoting cleaner ecosystems.

With this ambitious initiative, Korba is poised to emerge as a leader in both industrial development and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how modern infrastructure can coexist with ecological preservation.