Dynamic Land and Adaptive People of Bengal Basin and Its Charland

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Living on the Edge

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Abstract

This chapter presents an analysis of the dynamic geophysical character and human ecological system as found in the Bengal Basin. Characteristics of the Bengal deltaic geophysical and hydrological systems are briefly discussed, followed by a discussion on adaptive response of the inhabitants in view of the dynamic shifts of river channels in the delta building process. The analysis reveals how people living in the delta and the floodplains adapted to the historically unstable and dynamic shifts of the river channels; and thereby made their living and sustained their livelihood. This is further illustrated by case study evidences from the Brahmaputra–Jamuna and Ganges/Padma floodplains, dealing with contemporary co** strategies and adaptive behavior of floodplain residents toward risk management. This adaptive approach to displacement, migration and resettlement needs to be properly understood in formulating and implementing an effective char development policy in Bangladesh.

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Haque, C., Jakariya, M. (2021). Dynamic Land and Adaptive People of Bengal Basin and Its Charland. In: Zaman, M., Alam, M. (eds) Living on the Edge. Springer Geography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73592-0_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73592-0_4

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