Rivers are among the most vital components of the aquatic ecosystem and play a central role in ensuring basic livelihood security at the local level. Flowing freshwater systems support a wide range of ecological processes and provide essential resources that sustain human populations living along their banks. From ancient civilizations to present-day rural and urban communities, rivers have continuously shaped patterns of settlement, economic activities, and cultural practices. Their significance lies not only in ecological functions but also in their direct and indirect contributions to food security, employment, health, and social stability. One of the most important contributions of river ecosystems to livelihood security is their role in providing water for domestic use. Local communities depend on rivers for drinking, cooking, washing, and sanitation, especially in regions where piped water supply is limited or unreliable. Access to clean and adequate freshwater is fundamental for human survival and public health. Rivers recharge groundwater aquifers through seepage, ensuring the availability of wells and hand pumps that serve as primary water sources in many rural areas. This hydrological function reduces vulnerability to droughts and seasonal water scarcity, thereby strengthening livelihood resilience. Agriculture is closely linked with river ecosystems, making rivers indispensable for local food production and income generation. River water is widely used for irrigation, supporting crop cultivation across floodplains and command areas of canals. Seasonal floods deposit nutrient-rich sediments on agricultural lands, enhancing soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruits flourish in river-fed regions, providing food for local consumption as well as surplus for markets. For small and marginal farmers, reliable access to river water determines cropping patterns, yields, and household income, directly influencing livelihood security. River ecosystems also sustain fisheries, which are a critical source of nutrition and employment at the local level. Rivers support diverse fish species, mollusks, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms that form the basis of inland fisheries. Fishing provides livelihoods to millions of people, including traditional fishing communities, fish vendors, and workers involved in processing and transportation. Fish from rivers contribute significantly to local diets by supplying affordable animal protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients. Subsistence fishing, in particular, acts as a safety net for poor households during periods of agricultural failure or economic stress. In addition to capture fisheries, river ecosystems support aquaculture and allied activities. Floodplain aquaculture, cage culture, and integrated farming systems that combine fish rearing with agriculture or livestock are increasingly important livelihood options. These practices enhance income diversification and reduce dependence on a single economic activity. Riverine vegetation and plankton productivity provide natural feed, lowering input costs and making aquaculture accessible to small-scale farmers. Thus, rivers contribute to both