SOLID WASTE-INDUCED DEGRADATION OF THE KOTHARI RIVER ECOSYSTEM: A CASE STUDY FROM BHILWARA CITY

Abstract

Rivers are vital natural resources that support ecosystems, agriculture, industries, and human settlements; however, rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and improper waste management practices have resulted in increasing pollution of river systems. The present study investigates the status and composition of solid waste pollution in the Kothari River of Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Six riverbank locations, including Wards 58, 60, 61, 62, 64, and 65, were selected for assessment. A 5 kg sludge sample was collected from each location and analyzed for different categories of solid waste, including plastic waste, hospital waste, electronic waste, food waste and other municipal waste. This entire study is based on primary data collected through field survey and their analysis. In this, secondary sources have been used in very limited quantity. The study highlights that uncontrolled waste disposal and inadequate management systems are major contributors to the degradation of the Kothari River. Effective solid waste management, e-waste segregation, prevention of direct drain discharge, and regular river conservation programs are essential for restoring the ecological health of the river.