This photo essay by Somenath documents communities living along the Ganga river and its tributaries, as it repeatedly shifts its course. Years of erosion and sedimentation have transformed entire settlements into what are now described as “climate refugees.” The changing riverbank has become a direct threat to livelihoods, homes, and land, as the river that once sustained these communities increasingly consumes them.
Over the past two years, Somenath travelled through regions of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal that have been most affected by this phenomenon. As he notes, “some fresh areas of land mass has been engulfed by the river in recent times,” underlining the scale of change caused by more than three decades of flooding and sediment buildup. Rather than focusing only on loss, Somenath is clear about the intent of his work. He explains, “This photo story is not just about showing the suffering of the people but also their courage and spirited battle against the tides of the river.” The photographs observe how life continues quietly in the midst of uncertainty. Children still find moments of joy, and families carry on with everyday routines despite repeated displacement. The essay reflects on resilience amid constant change.
