Livelihood Challenges of Border Dwellers Living between the Fence and the Zero Line of the Indo-Bangladesh Border: A Case Study of Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal

Abstract

The concept of borders has long occupied a central place in the study of geography, politics, and international relations. A border, at its core, is a boundary that distinguishes one area from another, yet its significance extends far beyond a mere line on a map. Borders are instrumental in shaping national sovereignty, cultural identity, economic exchange, and patterns of human mobility. India and Bangladesh share an international border that stretches 4,096 kilometers (2,545 miles), of which 2,217 kilometers (1,378 miles) lie along the state of West Bengal. To curb smuggling and strengthen national security, India has constructed a 3-meter (9.8-foot) high barbed wire fence extending 3,406 kilometers (2,116 miles) along the Indo-Bangladesh border. In West Bengal, several villages fall between this fence and the zero line, though they remain on Indian soil. The residents of these settlements face unique and persistent challenges. While border regions are integral parts of the nation, observations reveal that the lifestyle of these communities differs significantly from other regions of the country. This research paper seeks to examine the livelihood challenges of border dwellers residing between the fence and the zero line in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Data were collected using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), direct observation, and interview methods. Findings suggest that remoteness and inadequate infrastructure serve as major obstacles to development. As borderland communities, these villages experience distinctive livelihood constraints shaped by their geographical location, security restrictions, and socio-economic marginalization.