Migration Dynamics and Livelihood Diversification among Riparian Households along the Kulik River in Uttar Dinajpur District, West Bengal

This study investigates migration dynamics and livelihood diversification strategies among 300 riparian households in six villages along the Kulik River in Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal. Using a stratified purposive sampling technique and a mixed-method approach, the research aims to analyze the drivers of migration and the coping mechanisms adopted in this trans-boundary socio-ecological system. The study area is a vulnerable region within the Indo-Bangladesh Barind tract. Findings show that while long-term migration to the district is primarily driven by marriage, short-term and seasonal mobility among riparian communities is predominantly influenced by economic instability (57%), food insecurity, and the decline of traditional livelihoods. The most common coping mechanisms during floods are selling livestock (33.33%) and taking loans (27.67%). Households prefer to adopt sustainable strategies like diversifying income sources (57.67%) and livestock (54%) over distress measures like selling assets (28.33%).