Abstract
This work attempts to present the complex human–flood interactions from the chronically flood-affected district of Dhemaji in the Upper Brahmaputra floodplain. The objectives are to analyse perceptions, susceptibilities, indigenous knowledge and adaptations that enable coexistence of floods with floodplain dwellers. In addition, data on flood damage, breaches and cuts to embankments are collected from government departments and analysed. Results revealed a realistic perception of flood hazard amongst the floodplain dwellers. Susceptibility is higher due to the lack of infrastructure. Indigenous knowledge and adaptation strategies exist in the area enabling the floodplain dwellers to live with floods. The results also underscore the paradoxical situation where flood-control measures themselves have become detrimental to the floodplain dwellers. This creates a situation where environmental challenges outstrip the evolution of indigenous adaptation strategies. Our work is based in the Upper Brahmaputra River plains and is a contribution towards the long-standing debate on the choices humans make in response to riverine hazards.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to all the respondents for their active participation during the survey. We also thank all the government officials including late (Mr) U.K. Baruah, then A.D.C relief, late (Mr) Joydeep Choudhury and then Project Officer of SDMA, Dhemaji, for their help and cooperation during the field survey. We thank the Chief Engineer and Field Engineers of E&D department, Dhemaji district, for sharing flood damage data. We acknowledge the help received from Dr. Gitamani Dutta for the statistical analysis and Dr. Gaurangi Maitra for her comments on the manuscript and English language corrections. The authors would also like to thank Ms. Linda Fieldhouse for editing the manuscript for usage of English language and the anonymous reviewers whose comments helped to improve the manuscript to its present form. The first and the last authors acknowledge UGC for the fellowship provided to them for pursuing Ph.D.
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Hazarika, N., Tayeng, T. & Das, A.K. Living in troubled waters: stakeholders’ perception, susceptibility and adaptations to flooding in the Upper Brahmaputra plain. Nat Hazards 83, 1157–1176 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2366-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2366-1