Migration Dynamics and Livelihood Diversification among Riparian Households along the Kulik River in Uttar Dinajpur District, West Bengal

Authors

  • Pintu Biswas Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography, Balurghat College, Balurghat, West Bengal, India, 733101 and Research Scholar, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, 734013
  • Dr. Ranjan Sarkar Principal, Siliguri College of Commerce, Siliguri, West Bengal, India, 734001

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n8.014

Keywords:

Migration Dynamics, Livelihood Diversification, Riparian Households, Kulik River Basin, Uttar Dinajpur

Abstract

This study investigates migration dynamics and livelihood diversification strategies among 300 riparian households in six villages along the Kulik River in Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal. Using a stratified purposive sampling technique and a mixed-method approach, the research aims to analyze the drivers of migration and the coping mechanisms adopted in this trans-boundary socio-ecological system. The study area is a vulnerable region within the Indo-Bangladesh Barind tract. Findings show that while long-term migration to the district is primarily driven by marriage, short-term and seasonal mobility among riparian communities is predominantly influenced by economic instability (57%), food insecurity, and the decline of traditional livelihoods. The most common coping mechanisms during floods are selling livestock (33.33%) and taking loans (27.67%). Households prefer to adopt sustainable strategies like diversifying income sources (57.67%) and livestock (54%) over distress measures like selling assets (28.33%).

Author Biographies

Pintu Biswas, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography, Balurghat College, Balurghat, West Bengal, India, 733101 and Research Scholar, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, 734013

Prof. Pintu Biswas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at Balurghat College, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal. He completed his B.A. Honours in Geography from Raiganj College in 2011 and earned his M.A. in Geography and Applied Geography from the University of North Bengal in 2013. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from the same university. Prior to joining Balurghat College in 2017, he served as a Guest Lecturer at Raiganj Surendranath Mahavidyalaya and Kaliyaganj College, and as an Assistant Teacher at Lalugachh F.P. School. Prof. Biswas has cleared the UGC NET thrice and qualified NET-JRF twice. His academic interests include Cartography, Geomorphology, Population Geography, Regional Planning, and Geographical Thought. He has published four research articles and four book chapters, and has participated in various national and international seminar, workshops and academic events. He has also cleared CTET, WB TET, and PSC exams and holds a Diploma in Information Technology Application.

Dr. Ranjan Sarkar, Principal, Siliguri College of Commerce, Siliguri, West Bengal, India, 734001

Dr. Ranjan Sarkar is the Principal of Siliguri College of Commerce, a distinguished academic institution. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography & Applied Geography from the University of North Bengal, where he also earned his M.A. in Geography and Applied Geography in 2003, graduating as a gold medalist with a 1st Class 1st position. He also holds B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees. A recipient of several accolades, including the University Gold Medal (2003) and the National Talent Search Award (1995), Dr. Sarkar has an extensive career in academia. Before assuming his current role, he served as an Associate Professor of Geography at Ananda Chandra Training College and as an Assistant Teacher at a Higher Secondary School. His expertise extends to various administrative roles, including serving on governing bodies, selection committees, and as a NAAC Coordinator. His research interests span socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and educational administration. He also supervises Ph.D. candidates at the University of North Bengal.

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Published

14-08-2025

How to Cite

Biswas, P., & Sarkar, R. (2025). Migration Dynamics and Livelihood Diversification among Riparian Households along the Kulik River in Uttar Dinajpur District, West Bengal . RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 10(8), 109–124. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n8.014

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Vol. 10 No. 8 (2025): RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

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Articles

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