Evaluating Public Perceptions of Urban Green Spaces in Indian Cities: A Survey Study
Author(s): Dr. Ajay Kumar Verma
Publication #: 2508019
Date of Publication: 24.08.2025
Country: India
Pages: 1-11
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 4 August-2025
Abstract
This study evaluates public perceptions and usage patterns of Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) across three diverse Indian cities—Delhi, Bengaluru, and Nagpur—amidst the growing challenges of urbanization and environmental inequity. Addressing a critical literature gap in India-specific, multi-city quantitative analyses, the research integrates socio-demographic profiles, perceived benefits, environmental awareness, accessibility, and satisfaction into a unified framework. Using a cross-sectional survey method, data were collected from 828 respondents through a structured, paper-based questionnaire administered in parks and green areas. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to explore latent relationships between awareness, usage, accessibility, and well-being outcomes. Findings reveal that environmental awareness positively correlates with higher UGS usage, while perceived accessibility significantly influences overall satisfaction. Bengaluru emerged as the most engaged city in terms of frequency and satisfaction, whereas Nagpur lagged across key indicators. Physical health was the most commonly reported benefit, followed by mental well-being, with social cohesion rated lowest. The study emphasizes the need for equitable urban green infrastructure planning, context-sensitive park programming, and environmental education initiatives to enhance public engagement and maximize ecosystem service awareness. Methodologically, the study contributes a replicable structural model for UGS perception research in developing urban contexts. Policy implications advocate for integrating urban design, participatory governance, and environmental literacy to foster more inclusive and sustainable public green spaces in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.
Keywords: Urban Green Spaces, Public Perception, Environmental Awareness, Accessibility, PLS-SEM, Indian Cities.
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