Impact of River-bank Erosion on the Riverine Vulnerable Women in Panchanandapur of Malda District, West Bengal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2026.v11.n04.017Keywords:
Erosion, Panchanandapur, Women, Governance, EnvironmentAbstract
Riverbank erosion is a persistent environmental hazard in the lower Gangetic plains, particularly in the Malda district of West Bengal. The erosion is a constant, yearly threat, often destroying crops and forcing villagers to live in fear of losing their homes, specifically during the peak monsoon season. This article examines the recent trend of shifting course of the river ganga and gendered dimensions of riverbank erosion affected in Panchanandapur. While erosion results in land loss, displacement, and livelihood insecurity for all, women experience disproportionate vulnerability due to existing socio-economic inequalities, restricted mobility, and limited access to resources. Around 130 women were selected by a random stratified sampling technique from riverine areas of Panchanandapur. Both primary and secondary data have been used. It has been observed how Ganga River erosion reshapes women’s roles, increases unpaid care burdens, and affects their health, security, and economic participation. The paper argues for gender-sensitive policy interventions, inclusive disaster management, and strengthened local governance mechanisms to address the intersecting challenges of environmental degradation and gender inequality.
References
[1] Das, R., Samanta, G. (2022). Impact of floods and river-bank erosion on the riverine people in Manikchak Block of Malda District, West Bengal. Environ Dev Sustain 25, 13595–13617 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02648-1
[2] Biswas, N., & Mukhopadhyay, S. (2025). Assessment of human response to river bank erosion through demographic changes. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
[3] Das, R. T. (2016). Assessment of channel bank susceptibility and bank stability of a braided reach of River Ganga near Panchanandapur. International Research Journal of Earth Sciences.
[4] Majumdar, S., & Basak, S. (2016). Impact of flood and bank erosion on human life: A case study of Panchanandapur. Indian Streams Research Journal.
[5] Majumdar, S., Das, A., & Mandal, S. (2022). River bank erosion and livelihood vulnerability in Malda. Environment, Development and Sustainability.
[6] Majumdar, S., & Mandal, S. (2021). River bank erosion risk potential estimation through soil analysis. International Research Journal of Social Sciences.
[7] Majumdar, S., & Mandal, S. (2020). Identification of suitable habitation sites through bank stability analysis. Spatial Information Research.
[8] Biswas, N., & Mukhopadhyay, S. (2025). Assessment of human response to river bank erosion through demographic changes: A study on Malda district. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
[9] Das, R., & Samanta, G. (2022). Impact of floods and river-bank erosion on riverine people in Malda district. Environment, Development and Sustainability.
[10] Dey, S., Basu, A., & Banerjee, S. N. (2022). Discharge-driven riverbank erosion in Lower Ganga Valley. EarthArXiv.
[11] Dutta, P. (2009). Women and displacement due to Ganga erosion in Malda. Population Conference Working Paper.
[12] Guchhait, S. (2018). Quantification of riverbank erosion and land-use change in Malda district. Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS.
[13] Science of the Total Environment. (2025). Multi-decadal erosion-accretion dynamics in Lower Ganga Basin.
[14] ISEC. (2023). Institutional role in the lives of women displaced by Ganga erosion in Malda.
[15] Adger, W. N. (2006). Vulnerability. Global Environmental Change, 16(3), 268–281.
[16] Agarwal, B. (1992). The gender and environment debate. Feminist Studies, 18(1), 119–158.
[17] Arora-Jonsson, S. (2011). Virtue and vulnerability. Global Environmental Change, 21(2), 744–751.
[18] Best, J. (2019). Anthropogenic stresses on river systems. Nature Geoscience.
[19] Cernea, M. (1997). The risks and reconstruction model. World Development.
