In addition to the social, ecological, cultural, and spiritual value, the river can be a driver of a strong, resilient economy that provides job opportunities by giving a suitable place to exertion for the local communities. The water-related jobs are very local and have the potential to build local economies. Fisheries and tourism are the common sectors of employment for the local native communities.

Tourism guarantees livelihood to the basin residents by initiating small-scale businesses in the tourism areas and good tourism service develops the lifestyle of native people and increases the property value. Apart from the local economy, the river has a vital role in the large-scale financial system.

Fisheries are the most common benefit and occupation of the native community. A healthy river contributes to the livelihood for the community through fishery production. The livelihood from fishery has a great role in their cultural and spiritual values. Moreover, the sector can provide food security and poverty reduction along with recreation value.

The production of electricity through water is one of the most controversial societal benefits provided by rivers. Electricity production from hydropower is a renewable energy source, however, it transforms and degrades the riverine ecosystem by flow regime and the fragmentation of channels for the construction of dams and weirs across the resources. The large-scale economic benefit gained from the energy products results in the threatening of the riverine ecosystem by the change in the flow velocity, floodplains, catchment area, sediment dynamics, etc.

The riverine soil fertility and sufficient amount of water for agriculture and other irrigation purpose are the other socio-economic benefit that human derives from the river. The river irrigation system for agricultural use ensures food security and livelihood for the local communities. And the other large commercial agricultural production using rivers generates a considerable amount of revenue for the economy. The over-exploitation and abstraction of such natural resources can cause river and ecosystem degradation. In most cases, the non-natural inputs in farming procedures such as the barriers in the water flow, infrastructures, channel deviation, and use of chemical elements disrupt the ecosystem and negatively affect the ecosystem services. The flow regime, leaching, and runoff of chemical pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers change the chemical composition of water and have a great chance for eutrophication and killing aquatic life.

Framing in the riverine area is one of the land use activities in the riverine ecosystem. The fertility of the soil is a product key factor for agriculture. The hydrological action of the river results in the basin fertility by the accumulation of silt, clay, organic matter, minerals, and moisture content in the floodplain area which attracts agriculture in the riverine areas. The enriched soil fertility due to the periodical inundation of flood water enhances crop production and achieves a high turnover in farming and ensures food security and livelihood of the local community. Commercial large-scale farming and industries derive great economic benefits from the riverine ecosystem through the fertile soil and suitable farming environment.

The exchange of materials through the import and export of goods, navigation, and other transportation needs through water contributes country’s large economy.

A healthy river can provide multiple benefits to the community through societal, ecological, cultural, and economic values. A strategic approach to river and water management is necessary for a healthy multi-potential river.