Char-Lands Erosion, Livelihoods and Cyclic Displacement of People in Ganges-Padma River Basin in Bangladesh

Abstract

The physical characteristics and monsoon climate render Bangladesh highly vulnerable to natural disasters, primarily floods and river bank erosion. As a result, the char people have to move, and their settlements have to be relocated from one place to another within the char or outside the char. The study is carried out based on primary and secondary data sources. The results show the interval of displacement in every five years at Purba Khas Bandarkhola Mouza. The cyclic displacement range is 121 km² and pull, push and cultural factors are the root causes of displacement. Therefore, an adaptive protection approach is necessary. The objective of this study is to contribute to develop a comprehensive adaptive plan for char-lands settlement and livelihoods sustainability in the Ganges-Padma River basin in Bangladesh.