ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the facets of anthropogenic encroachment within and around the palaeo-fluvial corridor of Kana–Ghia and the Kunti system over the Damodar fandeltaic surface. The interfluvial part of lower Damodar and Bhagirathi-Hooghly is being intensively cultivated and settled by farming communities since the beginning of the Zamindari period during the late 18th century. The dwellers have constantly modified their livelihood with the hazards generated by frequent monsoonal floods of Damodar, and with time, they have changed the natural riparian landscape to a great extent. Palaeochannels, a channel which is no more a part of the active channel system and may or may not carry water, often experience intense rate of human encroachment in order to utilise its relatively higher moisture content for agricultural practices. The Damodar fan delta unit is associated with several palaeo-systems of Damodar which were once active in the past as the major passageways of monsoonal floodwater.
