Assessing vulnerabilities and resilience in the Indian Sundarbans: A case study of gosaba C.D block, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The Sundarbans region, being a largest mangrove extending over 10,000 sq. Km, is one of the most critical ecosystems in the world. Due to its coastal location, the region has been severely affected by climatic events, including recent cyclones Amphan and Yaas. The present study examines the nature of vulnerabilities and subsequent adaptation and recovery processes of the affected villages in the Gosaba C.D block due to the impacts of back-to-back extreme cyclonic events. In this study, we first introduce the sample characteristics with the help of descriptive statistics, followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to assess the vulnerabilities faced by the coastal communities due to super-cyclones. A binary logistic regression was computed to predict the schemes accessed by the coastal communities based on criteria and predicted variables. Results indicate that agricultural land is most affected by saline intrusion, inundation, and erosion; while homesteads are affected by cyclones, inundation and erosion. This study also reveals the strong disparities among villagers’ in accessing the schemes provided by different institutions. Therefore, the socio-economic conditions of the coastal communities have deteriorated and altered their occupations from farming to fishing and other economic activities, with many migrating in search of employment. In conclusion, the adaptation strategies and recovery processes toward resilience building of the communities have been measured through frequency distribution based on selected variables. There is a need for building resilience in order to live with uncertainties, as their changing occupations have already indicated. Moving to other locations with proper planning and policy formulation by the state government may help them face the multiple challenges along with providing multiple options for livelihood security.