Paper Details

Bankura District in West Bengal represents a significant tribal habitat where indigenous communities interact with diverse natural resources for sustenance. This study evaluates the spatial distribution patterns of tribal settlements and examines resource utilization dynamics through geospatial analysis and field-based assessments conducted between 2019-2024. The research hypothesizes that spatial clustering of tribal habitations correlates with forest proximity and resource availability. Census data from 2011 and projected estimates for 2021-2025, satellite imagery analysis from 2015-2023, and socio-economic surveys were integrated using GIS techniques to analyze settlement patterns across 22 blocks. Results reveal that tribal population constitutes 10.25% of Bankura's total population with concentrated settlements in Ranibandh and Raipur blocks where forest coverage exceeds 35%. Forest-dependent activities contribute 25.05% to tribal household incomes as documented in 2019-2021 field surveys, with NTFPs like sal leaves, mahua, and honey forming primary resources. Spatial analysis using Landsat 8 OLI imagery (2020-2023) indicates clustered settlement patterns within 2-5 km from forest peripheries. Agricultural land comprises 55.87% of land use while 21.53% remains under forest cover. The study concludes that sustainable resource management strategies and spatial planning frameworks are critical for enhancing tribal livelihood security while maintaining ecological conservation in Bankura District.

Keywords: Tribal settlements, Resource utilization, Spatial analysis, Bankura District, Forest dependency