The char areas of Assam- riverine islands formed by the Brahmaputra river are the most socioeconomically backward and environmentally fragile regions in Northeast India. Floods, erosion, and inadequate infrastructure have resulted in chronic poverty, displacement, and marginalization of char community in Assam. Despite these limitations, scholarly attention is still limited in this area. This study includes a thematic review of 26 peer-reviewed publications (2012-2025) obtained from the Scopus database, aiming to synthesize existing literature and identify key areas of concern. Six major themes emerged: i. environmental and climate vulnerability, ii. livelihood insecurity and land erosion, iii. gendered vulnerability and health, iv. borderland politics and identity, v. migration and displacement, and vi. development deficit and infrastructure gaps. These themes are intricately linked, reflecting the multidimensional deprivations faced by char communities. The study advocates for an inclusive, interdisciplinary approach to research and policy-making in order to better understand and address the complex realities of char communities of Assam.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70096/tssr.250306012
Publish Year: 2025
