Urban canals in rapidly expanding cities are under increasing pressure from combined soil and water pollution, leading to ecological degradation. This study evaluates soil quality, water quality, and associated ecological risk in the Shyama Sundari Canal, Rangpur, using Water Quality Index (WQI), Soil Quality Index (SQI), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Physicochemical water quality was assessed at six locations, while soil properties were analyzed from 100 adjacent sampling points. The calculated WQI values ranged from 121.89 to 173.52, classifying canal water as poor to very poor throughout the study area. High biochemical oxygen demand (266.40–423.54 mg/L) and chemical oxygen demand (205.00–465.00 mg/L) were the dominant contributors, indicating substantial organic and chemical pollution. Mean SQI values ranged from 0.45 to 0.78, with higher soil quality in some locations and lower quality in others due to acidic pH and fine-textured soils. SEM results showed that soil contamination and water pollution are positively related, with water pollution and soil contamination having the strongest impact on ecological risk. This study highlights the novel integration of soil–water quality assessment with SEM to elucidate coupled degradation pathways. The results provide actionable insights for urban planners and environmental managers, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies targeting both wastewater and canal sediments to mitigate ecological stress.

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Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for a river catchment improve the efficiency and effectiveness of flood response and environmental management by providing a structured framework for coordinated actions. This paper examines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of flood response and environmental management. Considering the two major river basins in Sri Lanka, the applicability of the well-established Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Kelani River Basin (KRB), in mitigating flood impacts in the Deduruoya River Basin (DRB) was studied. DRB is affected by intermittent flash floods. Flood-affected administrative units (Divisional Secretariat Divisions) were identified and mapped using the Desinventar Database. Subsequent surveys and stakeholder interviews were held, revealing critical gaps in current flood management strategies. The integration of environmental management principles into SOPs is explored in relation to safeguarding ecosystems, preventing contamination, and promoting sustainable recovery. The study underscores the importance of regularly updating SOPs to incorporate technological advancements, data analytics, and community input. It also advocates for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to flood response, where SOPs are continuously rehearsed and refined to ensure timely and coordinated actions. Findings emphasize that the adoption of dynamic and inclusive SOPs can significantly reduce flood-related damages, enhance environmental resilience, and contribute to long-term recovery. This study calls for the integration of SOPs into national and local disaster management strategies, offering a valuable tool for both government agencies and practitioners to build more resilient communities and protect natural ecosystems from future flood risks.

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