The ecological health of urban rivers, especially in developing countries, has significantly deteriorated due to human activities. The Banka River, one of the most polluted waterways in West Bengal, is severely affected by changes in land use, inadequate wastewater management infrastructure, and contaminant runoff from nearby disposal sites. To support the preservation of aquatic ecosystems along the Banka River, covering both rural and urban areas of Burdwan, we evaluated the spatial variations in water quality parameters. This assessment utilized monitoring data collected from three sampling sites, employing a risk quotient analysis. We examined various physicochemical factors, including total suspended solids, pH, electrical conductivity, ammoniacal nitrogen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and heavy metals, to assess the dangers facing the river's aquatic ecosystem. The results indicate significant organic pollution and heavy metal contamination, with lead and cadmium levels posing a substantial threat to human. Notably, the rural upstream segments of the river are less polluted compared to the densely urbanized areas. These findings highlight the urgent need for extensive rehabilitation and remediation efforts before the water from the Banka River can be safely used for various purposes. Developing a comprehensive remediation strategy is essential to tackle the severely degraded water conditions. These insights are crucial for local authorities and will aid in formulating effective policies and regulations aimed at improving the river's ecological health and water quality.