Characterising topophilic behaviour in the wake of river decay and pollution through structural equation modelling

Biplab Sarkar (), Aznarul Islam () and Debajit Datta ()
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Biplab Sarkar: Aliah University
Aznarul Islam: Aliah University
Debajit Datta: Jadavpur University

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2023, vol. 25, issue 12, No 56, 15043-15074

Abstract: Abstract The present study examines the dynamics of topophilic behaviour in terms of place attachment, place satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviour in the context of Churni River decay and recurring pollution. The phenomena of river decay have been established by the historical records and empirical findings on declining discharge (~ 50% reduction during 1915–2018). Besides, the severe problem of water pollution has been identified (e.g., dissolved oxygen 1.86, 3.48 and 2.76 mg l−1 for pre-monsoon (February–May), monsoon (June–September), and post-monsoon (October–January), respectively) and cross-loadings of phosphate, nitrate and ammonia (e.g. 0.1, 0.3, and 0.1 mg l−1). The study also intends to figure out the various dimensions of topophilic behaviour in terms of low (feeble) and high (strong) pro-environmental behaviour. Therefore, the study constructed three hypotheses for linking place attachment with place satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviour. Finally, the empirical data on 240 respondents were used for confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation model to test the hypotheses. The results supported the alternative hypotheses that all the sub-constructs of place attachment positively influence place satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviour except for the influence of place social bonding over place satisfaction. This reflects the keen intention of the local people to protect the river from all exogenous threats.

Keywords: River water pollution; Pro-environmental behaviour; Topophilia; Structural equation model; Environmental movements; Churni River (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02701-z

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