Urban Green Spaces and Parks Contribution to Improving Livability: A Ward-Level Assessment Study of Dehradun, India

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS), which support better air quality, climate regulation, recreation, and well-being, are generally recognised as essential elements of sustainable, livable cities. Dehradun's historic parks and tree cover are in danger due to the city's fast urbanisation (Uttarakhand, India). A mixed-methods, ward-level evaluation of UGS in five representative Dehradun wards is presented in this study. Green space area, accessibility, and per-capita availability were measured in each ward using field surveys, resident questionnaires, and GIS mapping. The results were compared to the national guideline of 9-12 m²/person. The results show serious deficiencies and disparities: all five wards are significantly below the suggested 9 m²/person, and the most crowded wards (such as Ward 22-Tilak Road, at about 0.51 m²/person) have the least access. Field observations and questionnaire data highlight Poor Park maintenance, a lack of amenities and connectivity (particularly in Wards 18 and 22), and a strong desire for additional green spaces. Some of the main policy recommendations are creating ward-level green space plans (including GIS inventories and micro-park targets), giving underprivileged wards priority, and encouraging community stewardship. The urgent need for decentralised green infrastructure planning in Dehradun to enhance social justice, environmental health, and urban liveability is highlighted by these initial ward-scale findings.