Riverbank Erosion in the Bengal Delta

This book discusses the issue of riverbank erosion and its associated causes, risks and social challenges in the Bengal Delta. The book covers the physical processes and indicators of riverbank erosion such as sediment flux and channel morphology, the anthropogenic and natural causes of erosion, the social consequences that afflict vulnerable communities who depend on the delta for their livelihoods, and potential solutions to harmful erosion processes such as bioengineering methods and increased community governance through a socio-hydrological approach. Though the Bengal Delta is one of the most populated regions in the world, few publications exist that discuss riverbank erosion as a major threat to environmental and livelihood sustainability in a comprehensive manner. The book will fill this gap in research for students and researchers in geography and environmental sciences, and will engage regional planners, decision makers and policy makers to further their understanding of the complex social and environmental aspects of the Bengal Delta associated with persistent and worsening riverbank erosion.

Discusses riverbank erosion and vulnerable livelihoods in the Bengal Delta Engages regional planners in understanding social and environmental aspects of the Bengal Delta Addresses social issues resulting from anthropogenic impacts on riverbank erosion

Autorentext

Sadik Mahammad (b. 1990 ) completed his master's degree (M.A.) and PhD in Geography from Aliah University, Kolkata, West Bengal. He qualified for UGC NET JRF and WBCSC SET in Geography. Presently, he is working as an Assistant Teacher in a Higher Secondary School, under the Government of West Bengal. Previously, he was a Senior Research Fellow in Aliah University and served as a Guest Faculty in the Department of Geography, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal. His PhD topic is Palaeochannels and Water Resource Management of Damodar Fan–Delta, West Bengal. He already published 12 research articles in different international journals. He also published 5 book chapters as a principal author in international journals. He presented papers at various national and international seminars and conferences. His research area encompasses fluvial geomorphology, applied hydrology, palaeogeomorphology, water resource management and RS & GIS. Throughout the research work, he wishes to draw attention to the sustainable management of natural resources. Aznarul Islam (b. 1987) completed Master of Science in Geography from Kalyani University, West Bengal and MPhil and PhD in Geography from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal, India. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, Aliah University (AU), Kolkata, India since 2016 and served as the Head (Officiating), Geography, AU from November 2019 to February 2022. Previously he was an Assistant Professor (West Bengal Education Service) at the Department of Geography, Barasat Government College, West Bengal (2014-2016). Dr. Islam served as the Guest Faculty/visiting faculty in a few institutes like Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol. He was awarded the UGC Junior Research Fellowship in Geography in 2012. Besides, he secured All India Rank 018/188 in Earth Sciences in CSIR-UGC NET in 2011. He has already published more than 80 research papers including 50 SCI journal articles. He is the principal author of the book ‘Riverbank Erosion in the Bengal Delta: An Integrated Perspective’ published in 2024 by Springer. He edited another 10 books and contributed more than 26 book chapters in edited volumes and conference proceedings. He has presented papers in more than 35 national and international seminars and conferences. He has successfully guided 4 PhD theses and 2 theses under preparation. He was awarded one UGC minor research project. He completed one major research project funded by the ICSSR, Govt. of India in 2019 as the sole Project Director. He received a Department of Science and Technology (Govt. of India)- Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB) State University Research Excellence (SURE) Award in 2023 as the Principal Investigator. He has been performing the role of editor and reviewer in various journals published by Springer, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Wiley, Nature, MDPI, Frontiers etc. He is a life member of the Indian Geographical Foundation (IGF), Kolkata, and the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI), New Delhi. His principal area of research includes exploring river, water and society through the lens of applied spatial sciences using quantitative techniques and geo-informatics for reducing fluvial and hydrological hazards to enhance community relicense.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Riverbank erosion as a natural process.- Chapter 3: Anthropogenic perspective of riverbank erosion.- Chapter 4: Riverbank erosion, sediment flux and channel morphology.- Chapter 5: Economic vulnerabilities.- Chapter 6: Social instabilities.- Chapter 7: Coping strategies. Chapter 8: Future speculations and challenges.