This section brings together my writings from years of walking with the Teesta River and learning from the people whose lives are inseparable from it. These essays, field notes, reflections, and research-based narratives document the river’s landscapes, communities, livelihoods, biodiversity, environmental challenges, and cultural memory.
Rather than presenting the Teesta as a subject to be observed from a distance, these writings emerge from long-term field engagement, conversations, and lived experience. Together, they form an evolving record of a river in constant transformation and of the people who continue to live with its changing rhythms.
Field Footprints
Years of walking along the Teesta have created this footprint. The map represents the broad geographical extent of my field visits, observations, interviews, and visual documentation across the Teesta basin.
Flowing through the Teesta
An ongoing collection of field observations, essays, and reflections drawn from years of travelling along the Teesta River. These writings explore its landscapes, people, culture, biodiversity, environmental challenges, and the many stories that emerge from life lived with the river.
The River Teesta
Understanding the Teesta as a dynamic river shaped by water, sediment, seasons, and time.
Landscapes
Exploring the diverse landscapes of the Teesta, from Himalayan foothills to vast riverine floodplains.
People and Communities
Stories of the people whose lives, memories, and identities have evolved alongside the river
Livelihoods
Documenting occupations, skills, and everyday practices sustained by the Teesta and its changing environment.
Biodiversity
Observing the river’s rich biodiversity, including fish, birds, plants, wildlife, and fragile ecosystems
Culture and Traditions
Recording festivals, beliefs, oral histories, rituals, and cultural practices rooted in the river.
Material Culture
Exploring boats, fishing gear, tools, houses, handmade objects, and technologies created for life along the Teesta.
Conversations
Voices, interviews, and personal narratives shared by the people who live with the river.
Environmental Challenges
Examining erosion, pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, displacement, and other emerging environmental concerns.
Research and Documentation
Research findings, field documentation, maps, interviews, and archival materials gathered through long-term engagement with the Teesta River.
Reflections
Personal observations, insights, and reflections developed through years of living, travelling, and learning along the river.
Challenges and Possible Solutions
Identifying the river’s major challenges and exploring practical, community-based, and sustainable approaches for its future.