Changes in The Demographic and Social Profile of The Char Dwellers Due to The Meander Cut-Off in The River Bhagirathi, West Bengal

Abstract: The world's largest rivers often display meandering features in their middle and lower courses, leading to the formation of oxbow lakes. These meandering rivers frequently change their paths along the floodplain and creating frequent meandering scars and paleochannels. The Bhagirathi River in West Bengal is a prominent example marked by numerous meander loops and oxbow lakes. Over the past decades , it has experienced frequent cut-offs. Consequently, a few villages have suddenly become disconnected from the mainland due to a cut-off, causing physical isolation of certain villages from the mainland. This study explores the socio-economic impacts experienced by the communities residing within these isolated oxbow lakes regions. A household survey was conducted among 102 respondents from Chupi Char (located in the Purbasthali 1 block of Purba Bardhaman district), focusing on demographic profiles and occupation changes before and after the cut-off. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through interviews and structured questionnaires. Key findings reveal that the age group between 30-60 years old experienced the most significant impacts, while younger individuals reported minimal effects due to the meander cut-off. Additionally, there has been a shift in occupation, with the majority of people transitioning from primary activities to secondary activities due to land submergence following the cut-off. Land erosion, waterlogging, and crop damage have adversely affected the region. This unfortunate situation has changed significantly due to social development and support in recent times, leading many to flee from hazardous conditions.