This research project explores the dynamic relationship between Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK), ecosystem services, and livelihood systems in the Bengal Dooars region of West Bengal. Situated in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan foothills, the study focuses on both local (Rajbanshi) and migrant communities to understand how traditional knowledge systems are evolving under socio-economic and environmental change. Using a mixed-methods and geospatial research framework, the project integrates household surveys, participatory approaches, and advanced analytical tools (including GIS, statistical modeling, and qualitative analysis). It develops indices to measure knowledge retention, adaptation, and transformation, while examining how these changes influence dependence on provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. The study aims to generate a digital IEK atlas and a Web-GIS knowledge platform, providing the first geotagged documentation of traditional ecological practices in the Dooars region. It further analyzes the linkage between IEK erosion, ecosystem degradation, and livelihood vulnerability, offering a comparative perspective between local and migrant populations. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 2, 5, 8, and 11), the project contributes to policy-driven, community-based solutions for climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and inclusive tribal development. The outcomes include evidence-based policy frameworks, livelihood strategies, and scalable models for ecological restoration in vulnerable regions.
This initiative uses the WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning) framework to design future (2047) water use scenarios for Jhargram, West Bengal, and East Singhbhum, Jharkhand. By integrating climate projections, surface–groundwater allocation, and agricultural planning, it aims to enhance livelihoods and resilience in tribal communities. The objective-driven modeling supports evidence-based policies aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering sustainable resource management and inclusive growth.
This study evaluates the Jal Jeevan Mission’s role in reducing water contamination in arsenic-affected regions of the lower Gangetic basin, West Bengal. Focusing on the women and elderly—the most vulnerable to health and socio-economic impacts—it examines changes in water quality, health outcomes, and livelihood conditions. By integrating scientific assessment and community perspectives, the project aims to inform policies that ensure safe drinking water, improve public health, and strengthen socio-economic resilience in affected rural areas.
This completed project developed GIS-based data-driven flood hazard prediction maps to support risk-informed decision-making in flood-prone regions. Using advanced hybrid and bivariate statistical modeling techniques, it successfully assessed and mapped vulnerable areas, with model performance evaluated through diverse accuracy metrics. Under the IPCC vulnerability assessment framework, the study measured livelihood vulnerability in high-risk zones, considering socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructure factors. The integrated approach provided scientific insights and actionable strategies for flood risk management, resilience building, and sustainable development. The outcomes of this research have been published in Geosystems and Geoenvironment:
Osman, S. A., & Das, J. (2024). A robust ensemble of hybrid and bivariate statistical models for flood prediction mapping in Lower Damodar River Basin of India. Geosystems and Geoenvironment, 3(4), 100312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geogeo.2024.100312