Evaluation of River Health and Its Conservation: A Case Study on Hanumante River, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Abstract

Rivers are crucial and important for both nature and culture,but these rivers are being damaged and changed due to the fast growing population and urbanization. This study is for assessing and studying the condition of the Hanumante River in Bhakatapur,Nepal. The river is in degraded condition due to untreated swage,industrial waste,and careless dumping of garbage. The study shows that the river is relatively clean upstream but becomes highly polluted as it flows through urban areas. The research used the mix methodology of fieldwork, lab testing and existing data. Scientific factors such as pH, dissolved solids, oxygen levels and pollution indicators such as BOD and COD. The test was done also to test the harmful bacteria (faecal coliform) to understand the health risk and to study the condtion from upstream to downstream dividing it into two zones reference zone and impact zone. The findings shows the degradation of quality of water as we move from upstream to downstream. There is very low oxygen, high level of waste and dangerous bacterial contamination. So these problems are mostly caused by the untreated waste water, poor drainage systems, and human activities along the riverbanks. The biological study also shows that there is a lot of harm caused on the river ecosystem and it cannot function naturally. The study suggests the need of urgent action. This includes the water treatment systems,poor waste management and restoration of the vegetation along the riverbanks. So the study suggests to use nature-based solution like floating wetlands, and better river management practices. The restoration of the Hanumante River is crucial for protecting people’s health,supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage. The study provides useful information for policymakers to take effective action towards sustainabke river management.