Analysing the Environmental Risks Among Social Classes in District Faisalabad, Punjab

Abstract

This study investigates the unequal distribution of environmental risks among different social classes in District Faisalabad, Punjab, using a quantitative research design. A total of 120 respondents were selected through stratified sampling to ensure representation across socio-economic strata. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, focusing on key environmental hazards such as air pollution, unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate waste management. The study examines how socio-economic inequalities shape exposure to these risks and explores the role of educational, structural, and demographic factors in driving disparities. The findings reveal that individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards. Communities living near industrial zones and open sewage channels reported significantly higher risks, including polluted air, unsafe water, and health complications associated with poor living environments. Correlation analysis indicates that income levels, educational attainment, and housing conditions strongly influence the degree of exposure to environmental risks. Moreover, the results highlight systemic neglect and uneven policy enforcement as contributing factors that perpetuate environmental injustice and spatial inequality. This research underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions to address environmental disparities. It recommends inclusive urban planning, equitable environmental governance, and improved public health services to reduce risks for vulnerable groups. By emphasizing equity in environmental protection, the study contributes to the broader discourse on environmental justice and provides evidence-based insights for policy reforms aimed at ensuring safer and healthier living conditions for all social classes in Faisalabad.