Socio-Economic Impacts of Urban Green Spaces: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Well-being and Sustainability in Indian Cities

Urban green spaces, encompassing parks, gardens, green roofs, and natural landscapes within cities, play a critical role in enhancing environmental quality, public health, and social well-being. This paper explores the socio-economic impacts of urban green spaces in Indian metropolitan contexts, examining their contributions to sustainability, mental and physical health, social cohesion, and economic development. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining urban planning, environmental science, public health, and socio-economics, the study assesses how access to and quality of green spaces influence urban residents’ quality of life. Data were collected via surveys of 600 residents from diverse socio-economic backgrounds across three major Indian cities—Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore—alongside geospatial analysis of green space distribution. The methodology integrates quantitative analysis of survey responses with qualitative interviews to capture community perspectives and usage patterns. The questionnaire evaluates perceptions of well-being, environmental awareness, and green space accessibility. Two tables present demographic correlations with green space benefits and resident satisfaction levels. A detailed case study of Mumbai’s urban park initiatives illustrates challenges and successes in promoting equitable green space access. Findings indicate that urban green spaces contribute significantly to social inclusion, mental health, and local economies but reveal disparities in availability and quality linked to socio-economic status. The paper concludes by recommending policy interventions, community engagement strategies, and sustainable planning principles to optimize urban green spaces for inclusive well-being and resilient city ecosystems. This research informs urban development policies aimed at fostering sustainable and equitable urban environments in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.