Changing Population Dynamics, Losses and Adaptation to Recurring Floods in Bongaigaon

The human population and environment are intrinsically related. Recent changes in the environment are visible both at the regional and global levels; the rising intensity and frequency of extreme weather events like floods are a manifestation of changes at the regional level. There is established literature to suggest that flooding leads to displacements, relocation, and migration of people at different temporal and spatial scales. Such changes in spatial dynamics as a result of flooding can influence the population size, structure and composition; these changes subsequently increase or decrease social vulnerability. This paper presents an overview of the flood situation and socioeconomic vulnerabilities to the risk of flooding. It presents research findings on the diverse impacts of flooding on population dynamics and the harm and destruction brought on by the flooding in 2021 in parts of Bongaigaon District on impacted households. The research contributes to three literary strands: population dynamics in flood-affected villages, information on loss, and local adaptation techniques. Information derived from the latest Census figures cannot be treated in isolation to interpret the population dynamics of the area. Therefore, various census reports from 1872 to 1981 were consulted for information on the undivided Goalpara district, which the present-day Bongaigaon district is a part of. Information on economic loss associated with flooding and mitigation and adaptation measures used after flooding are gathered from an extensive primary survey carried out about six to seven months after flooding.