Accessibility to urban green spaces and its influence on human health and wellbeing in Asansol, West Bengal

Abstract Urban greenery is an essential component in ensuring sustainable, liveable and healthy cities. This study examines the contribution of green spaces to urban health and well-being and eco-friendliness in Asansol, West Bengal; a mining city that has experienced significant environmental degradation over the past three decades. Using geospatial analysis particularly Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) mapping along with a primary survey, the study investigates the relationship of rapid expansion of built-up areas, reduced greenery and wellbeing. While existing studies mainly focuses on the physical part of the environment, the current study delves to include the human dimension of it. It shifts the focus from metropolitan centres to a mining city like Asansol, where green cover has declined drastically. From 1990 to 2020, sparse vegetation has declined from more than 10% of the total land area to less than 5%. Based on multinomial logistic regression analysis, it is found that ‘proximity to green spaces’ (p-value is 0.029) and ‘duration of spending time in greenery’ (p-value is 0.007) significantly reduced stress levels while ‘frequency of visits’ (p-value is 0.538) had a limited effect. Ordinal logistic regression indicates that ‘social interaction’ and ‘participation in community events within green spaces’ significantly increased social cohesion and well-being. In this direction rooftop gardens, vertical walls and roadside plantations are considered as an alternative strategy. For Asansol, the suggestion includes an integration of green infrastructure into urban planning, ensuring equitable access and encouraging community participation to build a healthy, inclusive and eco-friendly future.