CLIMATE INDUCED LIVELIHOOD DISPLACEMENT IN SUNDARBANS: VULNERABILITY, MIGRATION AND ADAPTATION

Climate change is a harsh reality of today’s world driving environmental refugees throughout the vulnerable zones. India, with a vast coastline, agrarian population and dependence on monsoon has always been vulnerable with rising sea levels, influx of salt water forcing millions to leave their homes. Climate- induced displacement has thus become a regular in the coastal areas of South 24 Parganas of West Bengal. This paper analyses climate- induced displacement with special reference to cyclones like Aila (2009) and Amphan (2020). This paper conceptualizes livelihood displacement as repeated climatic shocks with salinity intrusion and declining agricultural productivity. The study identifies the vulnerability of the people residing in the coastal areas and the migration trends induced by the cyclones. The refugees lack formal recognition under international law. This paper argues for policies, laws and social protection interventions for climate induced migration.