Riverbank Erosion in the Bengal Delta

This book discusses the issue of riverbank erosion and its associated causes, risks and social challenges in the Bengal Delta. The book covers the physical processes and indicators of riverbank erosion such as sediment flux and channel morphology, the anthropogenic and natural causes of erosion, the social consequences that afflict vulnerable communities who depend on the delta for their livelihoods, and potential solutions to harmful erosion processes such as bioengineering methods and increased community governance through a socio-hydrological approach. Though the Bengal Delta is one of the most populated regions in the world, few publications exist that discuss riverbank erosion as a major threat to environmental and livelihood sustainability in a comprehensive manner. The book will fill this gap in research for students and researchers in geography and environmental sciences, and will engage regional planners, decision makers and policy makers to further their understanding of the complex social and environmental aspects of the Bengal Delta associated with persistent and worsening riverbank erosion.

Aznarul Islam (b. 1987) completed Master of Science in Geography from Kalyani University, West Bengal and MPhil and PhD in Geography from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal, India. He is currently engaged as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, Aliah University, Kolkata, India. Previously he was an Assistant Professor (West Bengal Education Service) at the Department of Geography, Barasat Government College, West Bengal. He has already published more than 50 research papers in different journals of national and international repute. He has already edited nine books and contributed more than fifteen book chapters in edited volumes and conference proceedings. He has presented papers in more than 25 national and international seminar and conferences. He has been performing the role of editor and reviewer in various national and international journals. To date, he has supervised two PhD students in Geomorphology and Hydrology. His principal area of research includes floods, channel shifting, river bank erosion, river pollution, and water resource management.

Sanat Kumar Guchhait (b. 1968) is completed his M.Sc. (Geography) in 1993 and Ph.D. in 2005 from the Department of Geography, University of Burdwan. Prof. Guchhait is currently engaged in teaching in the Department of Geography, University of Burdwan West Bengal, India since 2001. His area of interest is Environmental Geography, Social Geography and Philosophy of Geography. In conducting research and publication of books, he prefers to enquire about the tune of the environment society and livelihood. Environment and Forest, Enclave exchange, Traditional Livelihood and ecological knowledge of tribal society have occupied the domain of research in the last ten years. He has completed UGC Major Research Project on Soil erosion, conservation, and forest ecology in Laterite Landscape. He has successfully supervised 11 Doctoral students and published 65 research papers in different peer-reviewed national and international journals and edited books.