Alternative Rural Livelihood in Sundarban, India

Rural areas in India lack supplementary or alternative livelihood for income generation. Lack of knowledge and inadequate infrastructure deterred the inhabitants for income generation through proper utilization of natural resources. Mathurapur I and II and Kultali blocks of Indian Sundarban are indeed such a region. The area is considered as backward area separated from mainland by innumerable tidal creeks. Majority of the inhabitants do not have any sustained living condition compare to other parts of the state. Traditional agriculture, fishing and collection of forest products are the existing livelihood pattern for the inhabitants. The survival need of the people forced them to degrade the available natural resources. The conflicts about access to and control over natural assets are fundamental to the livelihood of many poor people. The shocks caused by these conflicts have increased the vulnerability of the inhabitants. The topographic variations translate differences in economic condition across the region. The alternative livelihood pattern through proper utilization and management of natural resources in a sustained way enhance a better living condition of the people.