The resilient families of the floating island in Assam state have a unique way of life that revolves around the ebb and flow of the Brahmaputra River. Every year, as the monsoon season arrives, the river swells and floods their homes, forcing them to move to higher ground. But as the waters recede during the dry season, they return to their floating island, rebuilding their homes and lives once again.
This cyclical pattern of displacement and return has been a way of life for these families for generations. Known as the Mishing tribe, they have adapted to the challenges posed by living on a floating island in one of the most flood-prone regions in India. Despite the hardships they face, they have managed to carve out a sustainable existence in harmony with the river that both sustains and threatens them.
The floating island, known as a “phumdi,” is made up of layers of vegetation and soil that have accumulated over time. It is a unique ecosystem that provides the Mishing tribe with everything they need to survive – from food and shelter to livelihoods. They cultivate rice, vegetables, and fish on the phumdi, using traditional farming techniques that have been passed down through generations.
But as climate change brings more frequent and severe floods to the region, the Mishing tribe’s way of life is increasingly under threat. Each flood washes away a part of their island, eroding the fragile balance they have maintained for so long. As a result, many families are now choosing to move away permanently, seeking a more stable existence on the mainland.
The decision to leave their ancestral home is not an easy one for the Mishing tribe. Their identity and culture are deeply intertwined with the floating island, and leaving it behind means abandoning a way of life that has sustained them for centuries. But faced with the growing uncertainty of climate change, many families feel they have no choice but to seek a new beginning elsewhere.
For those who choose to stay, the challenges are immense. With each passing year, the floods become more unpredictable and destructive, threatening to wash away everything they hold dear. But despite the hardships they face, the Mishing tribe remains resilient, drawing strength from their close-knit community and deep connection to the land.
As they navigate the uncertain waters of climate change, the Mishing tribe serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability of indigenous communities around the world. Their ability to thrive in the face of adversity is a testament to the power of tradition and community in overcoming even the greatest challenges.
In the end, whether they choose to stay or leave, the families of the floating island in Assam state will continue to face an uncertain future. But no matter what lies ahead, they will always carry with them the spirit of resilience and determination that has sustained them for generations. And as long as they remain united in their struggle, they will always find a way to weather the storms that come their way.