Quality of Life Assessment in a Cossi Riverside Settlement, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal A Longitudinal Study (2001–2025) with Reference to Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This longitudinal study assesses the Quality of Life (QoL) of residents in a Cossi riverside settlement in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, over the period 2001–2025. Using a mixed-methods approach and a composite QoL index spanning environmental, socio-economic, infrastructural, and health domains, the study tracks changes across four time points (2001, 2011, 2021, and projected 2025). Findings reveal significant improvement in material living standards, driven primarily by government schemes including MGNREGA, PMAY, and Swachh Bharat Mission. However, environmental vulnerabilities—particularly riverbank erosion, seasonal flooding, and water quality degradation—persist as critical constraints to sustainable QoL improvement. The study explicitly maps findings to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The research concludes that while India has made substantial progress on socio-economic indicators in rural areas, the environmental foundation of riverside communities remains precarious, threatening long-term sustainability and SDG achievement.

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