Beyond natural flow: Human-directed course change of the Kolong river in Nagaon, Assam, (India) and its socio-ecological implications

Abstract

The Kolong, a significant distributary of the mighty river Brahmaputra in Assam, India, has experienced significant human-induced alterations aimed basically for flood mitigation. This study investigates the socio-ecological impacts of the course change of the Kolong River done by the local people of Kahargaon village in Nagaon district of Assam, India. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates field observations, stakeholder interviews, community forums, and secondary data analysis to assess the river’s dynamics and its effects on local livelihoods and ecosystems. The findings reveal that while flood mitigation efforts have provided immediate relief, they have also led to ecological degradation and disrupted traditional livelihoods, particularly those dependent on the river’s natural flow. The left-out channel, once rich in biodiversity, now suffers from reduced water levels and a diminished riverine ecological niche, compelling communities to adapt through alternative agricultural practices and grazing. This study emphasizes the need for integrated management strategies that balance flood control with ecological preservation and livelihood sustainability. Thus, the study promotes community-based conservation initiatives, restoring natural flow patterns, and developing adaptive livelihood strategies. The insights gained so far contribute to the broader understanding of human–river interactions and offer valuable lessons for sustainable river management in similar contexts globally.

Keywords

ecological sustainability / flood mitigation / integrated river management / river course alteration / socioeconomic impacts

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 The Author(s). River published by Wiley-VCH GmbH on behalf of China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR).