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Corresponding author: Samikshya Madhukullya
Email: madhusami1000@gmail.com
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Vol. 02, No. 01 (2024) 35-42, doi: 10.61552/JEMIT.2024.01.005 - http://jemit.aspur.rs
CLIMATE CHANGE'S EFFECTS ON NORTH EAST INDIA'S
CULTURE, ECONOMY, AND LIFESTYLE WITH
SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BODO AND MISHING COMMUITY
Samikshya Madhukullya Received 21.08.2023.
Anurag Hazarika
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Revised 19.10.2023.
Accepted 22.11.2023.
Keywords:
Sustainable development,
Livelihood patterns, Climate
Change mitigation, Possible
solutions.
A B S T R A C T
This study examines the complex effects of climate change on the traditions, means
of subsistence, and way of life of communities in North East India. This study uses
a qualitative data analysisthrough ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured
interviews. The distinctive cultural richness of the area is becoming more and
more fragile as a result of changing climate patterns, as seen by altered
agricultural practices, disrupted festivals, and altered traditional knowledge
systems. The livelihoods of indigenous groups have also been severely impacted by
climate-related problems, such as unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather,
which have reduced agricultural production and accelerated rural-to- urban
migration patterns. Adaptive strategies and policies that are socially inclusive,
culturally sensitive, and environmentally sustainable must be developed
immediately in order to protect the rich heritage and well- being of communities in
North East India in the face of ongoing climate change. These changes in culture,
livelihood, and lifestyle not only pose significant challenges but also highlight how
urgent it is to do so.
© 2024 Journal of Engineering, Management and Information Technology
1. INTRODUCTION
The eight states that make up the North East of India—
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—are known
for their unmatched natural beauty, diverse cultures, and
distinctive customs. The worldwide phenomena of
climate change, which is having profound and far-
reaching repercussions on its culture, economy, and way
of life, is not immune to this picturesque and culturally
varied region (Khan et al. 2009). This introduction seeks
to give a thorough review of the historical context, the
ongoing effects of climate change, and the present
issues confronting India's North East (Dai 2011).
2. BACKGROUND
The cohabitation of numerous indigenous communities,
each with its own distinct cultures, dialects, and
traditions, has a long history in India's North East. The
environment of the area, which includes dense forests,
beautiful rivers, and high mountains, has been carefully
woven into this mosaic of civilizations. For ages, the
indigenous populations have depended on these natural
resources for their way of life, food supply, and cultural
traditions (Godoy et al. 2005). The region's climate has
historically been marked by seasonal fluctuations, with
monsoon rains having a crucial role in influencing
agricultural techniques and the management of water
resources (Das 2009, Cochrane et al. 2009). Over many
years, the people of North East India have adapted to