PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH AND RECREATION CONCERNS IN URBAN LAKE ECOSYSTEMS: COMPARATIVE INSIGHTS FROM TWO URBAN LAKES OF MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

Urban lakes serve as critical ecological and psychosocial infrastructures within Indian cities, contributing not only to environmental health but also to mental and emotional well-being through recreation, aesthetics, and community interaction. However, the degradation of these water bodies increasingly compromises their psychological and recreational benefits. This study investigates the psychological dimensions of health and recreation-related concerns associated with two urban lakes: Rani Tal in Jabalpur and Shahpura Lake in Bhopal; both of which have undergone severe ecological and social transformations. Adopting a mixed-methods approach integrating geospatial analysis, semi-structured interviews (n=160), and psychometric well-being assessments, this study explores how environmental decline manifests as psychosocial stress, loss of community identity, and reduced restorative experiences. Findings reveal that poor water quality, foul odor, waste accumulation, and loss of aesthetic character contribute to perceived anxiety, emotional fatigue, and community disengagement. Conversely, community-led cleanup efforts and green buffer zones were found to enhance feelings of safety, relaxation, and social connectedness. The paper argues for integrating psychological well-being indicators into urban lake restoration frameworks, emphasizing a “Healthy Ecosystem–Healthy Mind” paradigm to align environmental rehabilitation with public mental health outcomes.