Life on the Chars: Adaptation and Resilience of the Chauras

🏞️The Chauras live on the chars, ever-shifting islands formed by the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh.

🌊The Chauras experience the challenges of flooding and erosion, constantly rebuilding their homes and livelihoods on the moving islands.

🌾During the dry season, the Chauras rely on farming, growing crops like rice, jute, and vegetables.

🎣In the rainy season, the Chauras turn to fishing for their livelihood, although fish populations have been decreasing.

🔆The Chauras use innovative techniques, such as solar panels, to overcome challenges like lack of electricity.

How do the Chauras adapt to the ever-shifting islands?

—The Chauras rebuild their homes and livelihoods each time the islands shift, using materials like bamboo and thatch. They support each other and have developed techniques to anchor the soil and protect their crops.

What challenges do the Chauras face during the monsoon season?

—The monsoon season brings intense floods, posing a threat to their homes and fields. They may have to evacuate to higher ground and rely on fishing rather than farming during this time.

How do the Chauras overcome the lack of electricity?

—The Chauras have embraced solar panels as a source of electricity. They use solar energy to power their homes, charge their phones, and even run laptops and other electronic devices.

How do the Chauras support each other?

—The Chauras have a strong sense of community and help each other in times of need. They assist with the construction and relocation of homes and work together during farming and fishing activities.

What crops do the Chauras grow during the dry season?

—During the dry season, the Chauras grow crops like rice, jute, mustard, and sweet potatoes. They also cultivate vegetables and groundnuts.

00:06The Chauras live on the chars, ever-shifting islands formed by the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh.

10:35During the monsoon season, the Chauras experience intense floods that threaten their homes and fields.

14:33The Chauras turn to fishing for their livelihood during the rainy season, although fish populations have been decreasing.

24:16The Chauras adapt and resiliently rebuild their homes and livelihoods as the islands shift and change.

29:12The Chauras have embraced innovative techniques to overcome challenges like lack of electricity, using solar panels as a source of power.