Population Growth, Socio-Economic Development and River Health in the Context of Siliguri City, West Bengal

The study aims to investigate the trend of population growth and assess the level of socio-economic development and its impact on the deterioration of river health in Siliguri City. A composite index was used for socio-economic development, and maximum likelihood classification was used to develop a land use and land cover (LULC) change map of Siliguri City since 1991. The water quality index (WQI) was calculated using the National Sanitation Foundation WQI (NSF-WQI) by the instrument LABTRONICS MODEL LT-6.1. The result of the study population concentration has gradually increased due to migration and diverse economic activities, but the growth rate has declined relatively in previous decades. As a result, agricultural land, barren land, as well as vegetation cover have rapidly converted to built-up areas as well as affected river water quality. The deuteriations of water quality in the city are required for the sustainable management of river health and urban ecosystems through effective planning and policies.