Abstract: Civilization and livelihoods activities are uniquely related with river/water. Traditional livelihoods and occupational displacement have a relationship with river/water pollution. The main focus of this paper is on culture, traditional occupations, industrialization, environmental degradation and socio-cultural and economic change of a riverbank village in Bangladesh. Interesting to notice the contrast of two natural elements, one is human and another one is water. Worldwide populations grow and affluence increase and demand for food and water is on the rise, but the amount of water, nevertheless increases compare to what it was in hundred years back. Further, human being are on the race who can pollute how much of river/water, again climate variability and change in climate are exuberated the problem further, i.e. making it difficult to provide water, where and when it is needed. Bangladesh is a riverine country and country’s 5% populations are still depends on river and nature base livelihoods. River Bangshi is a source of nature base employment and traditional occupational groups in Ghugudia village and many other villages around the river Bangshi. The purpose of this study was to investigate water/river pollution and its impact on traditional occupational groups and other general livelihoods activities in and around a river course. The primary data were collected from a village named Ghugudia almost in a year and six month duration, data collected in various stages and the use of different methods and tools. In this study mix method, that is qualitative and quantitative tools and techniques were applied, descriptive survey, individual and in-depth interview and focus group discussions (FGD) were done with a different section of people i.e. fisherman, farmer, Goala/milkman, barber, small businessman. Individual interview was conducted with industry owners and representatives of their organization, political leaders and civil society groups.
Keywords: River, Pollution, Culture, Occupations, Industry, Environment, Bangladesh.
Title: Water, Water Pollution and Cultural Desolation
Author: Shahid Mallick
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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