Padma Bridge and Livelihood Sustainability of the Launch Workers: A Study Among Launch Workers in Mawa and Kathalbari Ghat

Abstract

Padma multipurpose bridge, one of the most challenging tasks in the history of bridge construction, has alters the previous launch communication. Launch communication is involved with thousands of launch workers and their livelihood sustainability. It is quite sure that the launch workers have lost their previous occupation but most of the respondents mentioned that they are optimistic about the current situation will provide them some extra facilities for finding their new source of income. Many government and non-government organizations has already started their activity in the surrounding area of Padma bridge. Moreover, industries will transfer their organizations to the southern part of the country, and this will broaden earning facility for the launch works in industrial sector. This study discovered the livelihood sustainability of launch workers and their everyday challenges to adjust with the new mode of communication. At the same time, the researcher also explored the economic and social prospects of Padma Bridge for the launch workers. The research followed a survey (N=102) for collecting quantitative data from Mawa and Kathalbari Ghat. Besides survey, case studies, were also applied to document launch workers’ livelihood sustainability from the workers and some key informant’s respondents. Following the findings, this study recommended some need-based policies to minimize the livelihood vulnerability of the launch workers.