Bank Erosion Induced Socio-Economic Vulnerability in Kaliachak-III Block of Malda, District, West Bengal

Bank erosion is becoming a major natural hazard in Malda district, West Bengal. The present study aims to evaluate the socio-economic condition of some selected mouzas (Sultanganj, Palgachhi, Babupur, Jaganathpur and Baishnab Nagar) located along the Ganga River in Kaliachak-III blocks of Malda district where the inhabitants are facing an intense bank erosion hazard in every year. The present study is mainly focused on those people who are harmfully affected by river bank erosion. It tries to show that how people combat with dynamic nature of river in each year and how they lead their life with facing this problem. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted for data collection. The information on losses of livelihoods, generated vulnerabilities, social destruction, impacts on agriculture, impacts on environment, relief and benefit for erosion victims and livelihood dependency on the river were collected through semi-structured questionnaire survey. The present study shows that migration due to bank line shifting, land loss, changed livelihood pattern and disrupted societal environment are the most common problems in every village.