Natural Hazards and Livelihood Crisis in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta

This book offers a new lens, combining nature-based solutions (NBS) and social engineering (SE) to address the environmental and social dimensions of hazard resilience. Natural hazards increasingly disrupt livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable and ecologically sensitive areas like deltas. Climate change and human interventions have intensified these events, turning floods, cyclones, and erosion into recurring, quasi-natural disasters. In delta regions, where dense populations rely heavily on natural resources, the loss of land, water access, and productive ecosystems severely undermines livelihood security.

Resilience depends not only on infrastructure or aid, but also on the diversity of livelihood strategies, social and economic adaptability, and equitable access to resources. While past research often focuses on risk models and mitigation measures, it frequently neglects the lived experience of crisis - how opportunities are lost, pathways to recovery are blocked, and which sections of society are repeatedly left behind.

NBS, such as mangrove restoration, wetland conservation, or green buffer zones, are particularly relevant for delta systems, offering low-cost, sustainable protection. SE complements this by fostering community-led adaptation and transforming social behaviors harmoniously with natural systems.

Focusing on delta regions and beyond, this book fills a critical gap by integrating hazard science, livelihood analysis, and community-centered approaches. It aims to support more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient futures, especially for those on the frontline of climate and environmental crises.

Focuses on livelihood impacts of hazards, especially in delta regions Offers a globally relevant, community-centered perspective on hazard mitigation Integrates social engineering and nature-based solutions for disaster resilience

Autorentext

Aznarul Islam (b. 1987) completed Master of Science in Geography from Kalyani University, West Bengal and M.Phil. and Ph.D. 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), Department of 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 few institutes like Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol. He was awarded UGC Junior Research Fellowship in Geography in 2012. Besides, he secured all India Rank 018/188 in Earth Sciences in CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship) in 2011. He is the recipient of Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers. He has already published more than 90 research papers including 60 SCI journal articles. He has successfully supervised four PhD scholars in Geomorphology, Hydrology and Hazard and Disaster Management. He has completed one ICSSR (Govt. of India) major research project as Project Director in 2019, and working as the Principal Investigator in one DST-ANRF SURE project since 2023. Besides, he is working as a Co-PI (Indian part) in an ISPF-ICSSR international trilateral (India-UK-Japan) research project.

Nasrin Banu (b. 1986) completed her M.A. (Geography) in 2009 and Ph.D. in 2015 from the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University, India. She is currently engaged in teaching and research in the Department of Geography, Aliah University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, since 2017. She also joined as an assistant professor and Head at Department of Geography, Saltora Netaji Centenary College, University of Burdwan, West Bengal, India. Dr. Banu was a guest faculty in Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, India. Her area of research includes livelihood, health, and gender issues. She was adjudged as Young Geographer by Institute of Indian Geographers (Pune) in International Conference, 2016. She also received Prof. N.P. Aiyyar Young Geographers Award at the 43rd Indian Geography Congress (NAGI) in 2021. She was also awarded Post-Doctoral Fellowship by UGC in 2015. She has completed one minor research project funded by ICSSR, Govt. of India in 2019. Besides, she is working as the Project Director in another ICSSR funded major research project. Currently, she is the PI (Indian part) in an ISPF-ICSSR international trilateral (India-UK-Japan) research project.

Dr. Md. Mustaquim (b.1979) received his M.A. and Ph.D. degree in Geography from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, in 2002 and 2008, respectively. He joined as an assistant professor in the Department of Geography, Aliah University, Kolkata, India in 2010 and presently serving as an Associate Professor in the same department. He has twice served as the Head (Officiating), Department of Geography, Aliah University, from May 2017 to November 2019 and from September 2015 to August 2016. Prior to joining the faculty at Aliah University, Kolkata, he was an assistant professor in Geography at Kalipada Ghosh Tarai Mahavidyalaya in Bagdogra, Darjeeling, lecturer (Temporary), Department of Geography, Aliah University, Kolkata, West Bengal. He has more than fourteen years of teaching and research experience. He published two books, fifty-one research papers in National and International journals of repute and nine book chapters including conference proceeding. Five research scholars successfully awarded their doctorate degrees under his supervision and another three are currently working under his guidance.

Dr. Ujwal Deep Saha (b.1990) completed his Master of Science (2013) and Ph.D. in Science (2024) from University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India. He is presently engaged as a post-doctoral fellow at Polish Academy of Sciences since 2025. He has already published more than 20 research papers in different international and national journals along with 7 book chapters in edited volumes. He has been performing the role of reviewer in different international journals. His major domains of research interest are paleochannels, geochronology, fluvial sedimentology, fluvial morphodynamic, neotectonics, and sediment connectivity.

Inhalt

Natural Hazards and Livelihood Crisis in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta Issues, Challenges, and management.- Hydrological Vulnerability in India's Tropical Deltas: A Review of Climate Change Impacts and Resilience Pathways.- Adaptation and Mitigation Assessment of Households to Riverbank Erosion: A Study of Middle Brahmaputra Floodplains of Assam, India.- Anthropogenic Stress on Selected Wetland Ecosystems in Murshidabad District, West Bengal.- Measuring the Impact of Natural Hazards on Demography and Economy in the Selected SAARC Countries: A Livelihood Perspective.- An Account of Socio-Economic Vulnerability of the Fishermen Communities by Coastal Embankment Degradation in the Indian Sundarbans.