Shifting Lands, Moving People: Livelihood, Migration, Climate Change, and Natural Disasters in the Indian Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, an intricate network of tidal waterways, mangrove forests, and shifting islands in the lower Bengal delta, stands as one of the most ecologically fragile and culturally unique regions in the world. Threatened by rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and land erosion, this vast deltaic landscape is at the frontline of climate change, where nature and human survival are deeply intertwined.

Shifting Lands, Moving People offers a compelling exploration of the culture, history, and resilience of the people who inhabit the Sundarbans. Drawing on historical records, cultural narratives, and contemporary field research, the authors delve into the traditional ways of life that have evolved in response to this ever-changing environment. They examine the intricate relationship between human settlements and the forest, where livelihoods are dependent on fishing, honey collection, and agriculture, even as these very activities face increasing precarity.

A central theme of the book is the impact of climate change and natural disasters on the region’s socio-economic fabric. From devastating cyclones to salinization of farmland, the people of the Sundarbans are continuously adapting to environmental upheaval. The book also critically engages with the phenomenon of migration—both into and out of the Sundarbans—as people seek more stable livelihoods elsewhere or, conversely, move deeper into the delta due to socio-political and economic pressures.

By offering a nuanced perspective on conservation, displacement, and sustainable development, Shifting Lands, Moving People calls for greater public awareness and policy interventions to protect both the fragile ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. This book is an essential read for environmentalists, policymakers, scholars, and general readers seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most dynamic and endangered landscapes on Earth.