The study investigates the degradation of the Kothari River in Bhilwara city, Rajasthan, caused by unsustainable human activities. Rapid industrialization and population growth have led to the continuous discharge of industrial effluents and untreated sewage, severely affecting the river’s water quality. Unsustainable agricultural practices, including the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, further contribute to the pollution load and declining aquatic ecosystem health. The research utilizes both primary data as well as secondary data. Analysis of these data reveals alarming levels of contamination and declining ecological balance. The findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable management, industrial regulation and agricultural reforms to mitigate river pollution and ensure the long-term environmental sustainability of the Kothari River in Bhilwara.