Objectives: The paper examines the extent of migration due to riverbank erosion and its rationale. The paper based on field survey data collected from two districts of Assam, India namely Dhubri and Dhemaji during June – August 2016. Altogether 437 households were interviewed, out of which 194 were from Dhemaji district and 242 from Dhubri district.
Methods: Using multi-stage random sampling method the survey was conducted in high, medium and low eroded villages of both the districts. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, mean, standard deviations.
Findings: Migration is found in eroded and non-eroded villages. Large number of short-term migration in comparison to long-term migration found and people migrated more from highly eroded areas than from less eroded areas. It has also been found that migration among non-farmers is higher than farmers. The paper concludes with the findings that the main reasons behind migration are the problems that arise due to riverbank erosion.
Application/Improvement: The study is a contribution to the migration studies. It will be helpful to suggest policy measures to control migration in the riverbank eroded areas.