Analyzing the Socio-Economic Impact of Flooding on the Mising Community in Dhemaji District, Assam
Abstract
This article summarizes author’s fieldwork and observations related to floods conducted during my doctoral studies at Gauhati University between 2010 and 2016. The information, ideas, and insights presented are primarily based on research conducted in the Dhemaji district of Assam. For detailed investigation, two flood-affected villages were selected at random: Bahir Tapit (Sissimukh Gram Panchayat of Machakhowa Development Block) and Sunarigaon (Muktiar Gram Panchayat of Sissiborgaon Development Block). The central focus of this study is the impact of flooding on the Mising society in Dhemaji, which is one of the most severely flood-affected districts in Assam. The paper aims to explore several key objectives, including the impact of flooding on village settlement and migration patterns, occupational and economic stability, educational institutions and learning opportunities, material culture and cultural heritage, family structures and dynamics, and the role of kinship networks in providing emergency support. It also examines community strategies for mitigating flood effects.
Keywords
Download Options
Introduction
Dhemaji, located in Assam, India, is an area frequently affected by flooding, especially during the monsoon season. Floods in Dhemaji often result from heavy rainfall, the overflow of local rivers, the Brahmaputra River's rising levels and sometimes due to sudden release of dam water in neighboring state Arunachal Pradesh. These floods cause significant damage to agriculture, homes, and infrastructure, displacing residents and disrupting daily life. The recurring nature of floods in Dhemaji highlights the need for effective flood management and mitigation strategies to protect communities and livelihoods in the region. Among the different communities residing in the District, the Mising are largest in number. The Mising villages are situated near the banks of the Brahmaputra River or its tributaries, making them particularly vulnerable to flooding. Living in close proximity to these water bodies has historically posed challenges, with annual floods regularly disrupting their daily lives. The recent severe flooding episodes have severely impacted many Mising settlements across the district.
In Assam, floods are considered the most dangerous natural hazard. During monsoon season, flood-related stories dominate local and national news outlets. Print media frequently highlights headlines about flood crises, while social media platforms such as Face book, Instagram and YouTube share stories from different flood-affected regions of Assam. These floods cause widespread distress across the state.
Last year (2024), 32 out of 33 districts in Assam experienced severe flooding. Various climatic factors have contributed to the increasing severity of these floods annually. The recurring flood calamities have raised significant concerns among residents. Since 1950, Assam has experienced at least 12 major floods, making it one of the most flood-prone states in India. The devastating floods became more frequent and intense following the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake, also known as the "Great Assam Earthquake." Dhemaji remains one of the most severely affected districts, with the district's five principal Brahmaputra tributaries - Simen, Demow, Jalakiasuti, Gai, and Jiadhal- causing annual floods that result in widespread destruction and hardship.
Conclusion
Overall, this study highlights the profound and multifaceted impacts of recurrent flooding on the Mising community in Dhemaji, Assam. Floods severely disrupt settlement patterns, causing villagers to build elevated platforms and relocate to higher grounds or embankments. They also trigger significant migration, both within the district and to urban areas, as families seek safety and livelihood opportunities, often leading to economic instability and reduced educational access. The floods have transformed traditional agricultural practices, pushing many towards non-farming livelihoods and causing a decline in material culture and social cohesion. Educational institutions suffer closures during flood seasons, impeding learning, while cultural and religious practices are adapted or postponed due to flood-related disruptions. Despite strong community bonds and kinship networks providing support, the persistent threat remains inadequately addressed by governmental policies, which have largely failed to implement effective flood management strategies. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated disaster preparedness, combining indigenous coping mechanisms with scientific approaches, to build resilience among vulnerable communities. Strengthening disaster management and ensuring sustainable development are essential to mitigate the long-term socio-economic and cultural damages inflicted by recurring floods in the region.
References
- Bordoloi, B. N., et al. (1987). Tribes of Assam, Part III. Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes.
- Doley, B. K. (2008). Mising Samaj Sanskritir Samiksha. Guwahati.
- Doley, D. D. (2014). A brief history of the origin and migration of Mising. Dakkor, Mising Agom Kébang Mé: Pa: Potin-21 né Tagnyi Mirum Kébang-2014-Dhemaji (pp. 120–123). Dhemaji, Assam.
- Doley, L. C. (2013). Role of women SHGs in rural development: With special reference to Mising women of Ujani Sissi Tangani GP of Sissiborgaon RC, Dhemaji, Assam. In Seminar Volume: Women in Rural Development. Silapathar College.
- Doley, L. C. (2014). Impact of Christianity on the Misings of Dhemaji: A case study of Sissiborgaon and Murkongselek blocks of Dhemaji district, Assam. In Quest for Ethnic Identity in North-East India. Silapathar College.
- Doley, L. C. (2015). Flood that threatens the biodiversity of Dhemaji: Impacts & responses. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Environment Perspectives, Pezzottaite Journal, 3(2).
- Doley, L. C., & Barua, U. (2015). Flood disaster and migration of the Misings: A comparative analysis of Dhemaji district and Guwahati city, Assam. In Transforming Education for Social Change & Business Excellence. Pezzottaite Journals.
- Doley, L. C., & Pegu, R. (2015). Causes and problems of population displacement of the Misings of Dhemaji due to flood vulnerability. International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 3(5), 1234–1240.
- Government of Assam. (2008). Statistical Handbook of Assam. Directorate of Economics and Statistics.
- Government of Assam. (2009). Report on damage of flood (2007–2008). Dhemaji district administration. Retrieved from http://dhemaji.nic.in
- Government of Assam. (2010). Statistical Handbook of Assam. Directorate of Economics and Statistics.
- Hoebel, E. A. (1958). The law of primitive man: A study in comparative legal development. Harvard University Press.
- Kuli, J. J. (2014). Mising folklore. Kaustubh Prakashan.
- Ogburn, W. F. (1922). Social change. B. W. Huebsch.
- Pegu, R. (2012). The socio-economic changes of the Mising people of Assam in late twentieth century. Siyang Boggo: A souvenir of Mising Agom Kébang 20th biennial conference at Jonai (pp. 191–194).