Pollution and Sustainable Development: A Survey - Based Study on Public Awareness, Perceptions, and Behavioral Practices

Pollution, in its various forms — air, water, soil, and noise — remains a significant obstacle to achieving sustainable development worldwide. It not only damages ecological systems but also threatens public health and economic stability, undermining the progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employs a survey-based approach to evaluate public awareness, perceptions, and personal eco-friendly practices in relation to pollution control and sustainable development. A total of 120 respondents from both urban and semi-urban communities participated, with the sample stratified into students (50%), working professionals (30%), and homemakers or retired individuals (20%). The survey examined demographic factors, knowledge of pollution types, understanding of their connection to sustainable development, and the extent of sustainable habits in daily life. Findings indicate high awareness of air (91.7%) and water pollution (88.3%), moderate awareness of soil pollution (75%), and comparatively lower recognition of noise pollution (64.2%). Despite this, only 54% reported consistent adoption of eco-friendly habits such as waste segregation, reducing single-use plastics, and conserving energy. Pearson’s correlation revealed a strong positive link between awareness and sustainable practices (r = .76, p < .001), while the chi-square test showed that participating in environmental programs significantly improved commitment to pollution reduction (χ² = 16.42, p = .002). These results suggest that while awareness forms the foundation for sustainable behavior, it must be supported by practical interventions, incentives, and accessible infrastructure. Recommendations include strengthening experiential environmental education, improving public facilities for sustainable living, and encouraging community-led initiatives to align pollution control measures with broader sustainability goals.