People displaced by riverbank erosion start afresh in newly emerged riverine islands

Over the past several decades, more than 150 'Char' islands have emerged along the rivers of Gaibandha, providing homes to nearly 300,000 residents. However, these islands are frequently plagued by riverbank erosion, occurring largely before and after the rainy season every year. Over 100,000 inhabitants have been displaced as a result, finding refuge along dams, shelters, and in relatives’ houses. In the previous year alone, relentless riverbank erosion claimed four chars—Kochkhali, Ujaldanga, Pardiyara, and Kauwabadha. In response to this environmental upheaval, approximately 400 individuals from these lost chars migrated to the recently formed Rasulpur and Guptomoni chars in pursuit of a more secure life. Here, they have erected homes and established farms on elevated grounds. Collaboratively, men and women work the land together, cultivating a diverse range of crops. Many have also turned to livestock rearing as an alternative means of earning a living. Community members residing on these islands continue to support and encourage each other to adopt sustainable livelihood practices, aiming to build collective resilience against the impacts of climate change.