Sustainable Community and Development: A Perception Study in Aizawl City

Abstract

Communities have a critical role in encouraging practices that lead to the making of a sustainable community. Sustainability is a major concern in the contemporary world of depleting resources. The study brings out how people of a community perceive sustainability and to pinpoint areas that need improvement. Our synthesis underscores the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors in achieving a sustainable community, as articulated by prominent scholars. We extend this discourse by presenting a comprehensive framework that encapsulates essential components, including quality of life, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, sustainable transport, economic prosperity, and resource optimization. By incorporating diverse perspectives, this work contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable community development, emphasizing the importance of holistic considerations and balanced approaches. Data collection was done using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods of literature review and online survey questionnaires. The findings prove that although most community members are aware of sustainability-related issues, there exist areas that need additional education and awareness-creation. The study delves into the sustainability of the city assessed through the satisfaction level of its habitants taking into account the components of sustainable community. Respondents are mostly satisfied with the social and environmental aspects. Corruption and business run by immigrants are major problems affecting the economic sustainability of the community. Findings of the study provide valuable insights into community perceptions of sustainability and useful in the promotion of future sustainability initiatives and policies.