### Rivers, Lakes & Waterways Water features play a vital role in both the ecology and the local culture of the Bilaspur district.
* **Arpa River:** The absolute lifeline of the city. The Arpa flows directly through Bilaspur, dividing it geographically. It is central to the city's identity, and its banks are gathering spots for religious festivals like Chhath Puja. * **Khuntaghat Dam (Kharung River):** A beautiful reservoir built on the Kharung river, a tributary of the Arpa. It irrigates the surrounding agricultural lands and provides a stunning blue expanse against a backdrop of green hills. * **Ratanpur Ponds:** The historical town of Ratanpur is dotted with numerous ancient ponds (talabs), which were vital to the city's water management during the reign of the Kalachuri kings.
