Sustaining the Delta: A Multi-generational Journey
A story of resilience and traditional water management practices in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta regions.
The Ganges-Brahmaputra delta is one of the most dynamic and complex landscapes on Earth. For centuries, its inhabitants have navigated the complexities of life between land and water, developing sophisticated systems of polders and embankment management.
Our multi-generational study focused on how traditional water management practices have evolved. We spoke with elders who remembered the "natural pulse" of the rivers before major engineering interventions, and with youth who are now using digital tools to map flood risks.
The Pulse of the River
Central to delta sustainability is the concept of 'living with water' rather than just 'fighting against it'. This involves maintaining tidal river management (TRM) systems that allow sediment to deposit naturally, raising the level of the land over time.
Through the work at the IDSS Social Lab, we are documenting these practices to ensure they are integrated into the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. It's about bridging the gap between historical experience and future planning.
