Assessing Public Experience, Awareness and Participation in Environmental Pollution: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

This study assessed public engagement with environmental pollution using the Experience–Awareness–Participation (EAP) framework in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 participants selected through purposive sampling. A structured 15-item questionnaire measured three domains: experience with pollution, awareness of environmental policies, and participation in environmental actions using a 5-point Likert scale. The reliability test demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for exploratory research (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.602). Non-parametric statistical analyses were applied due to non-normal data distribution. Results indicated strong experiential recognition of water and soil pollution, while awareness of government policies and conservation initiatives remained comparatively low. Although respondents expressed high support for environmental volunteering, routine sustainable practices such as waste segregation and water conservation were less frequently adopted. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a modest but significant association between awareness and participation (r = 0.195, p < 0.05), whereas experience showed no meaningful relationship with the other domains. Chi-square analysis demonstrated that age, location, and occupation significantly influenced awareness and participation patterns. The findings highlight a substantial gap between environmental concern and consistent behavioural engagement, underscoring the need for targeted environmental education and policy communication strategies.