Reviving rivers, empowering communities: Assessing the impact of rejuvenation efforts in Bodh Gaya villages

Methodology Data Collection Methods: We followed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative multivariate regression to comprehensively explore the anticipated impacts of river rejuvenation efforts in Bodh Gaya villages. 1. Qualitative Data Collection (Thematic Analysis): Method: Open-ended questions were used to gather rich qualitative insights into participants' perceptions and expectations regarding river rejuvenation. Data Collection: Responses were collected through in-person interviews and discussions with villagers, allowing for nuanced exploration of themes and narratives. Analysis: Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring patterns and themes in participants' responses, providing qualitative depth to complement quantitative findings. 2. Quantitative Data Collection (Survey): Method: Structured surveys were utilized, incorporating both objective and Likert scale questions to quantify participants' expectations and perceived impacts. Data Collection: Surveys were administered in offline modes, with researchers orally presenting questions and recording responses directly from participants. Question Types: The survey included nominal questions for categorical data and Likert scale questions to assess varying levels of agreement or expectation. Sampling Procedures: 1. Purposive Sampling (Qualitative): Selection Criteria: Participants were purposefully selected from Silaunja and Gangaar villages based on their proximity to the Niranjana River and their involvement in local community affairs. 2. Simple Random Sampling (Quantitative): Rationale: Individuals from selected villages were chosen through simple random sampling, ensuring unbiased representation and generalizability of findings to the broader population.