Environmental History of Kotoha: Special Reference to 2 No. Sessa Kuch Gaon
1. Introduction
Environmental history studies the relationship between humans and nature over time. The region of Kotoha, located in Dibrugarh district of Assam, shows clearly how environment and human life are connected.
2 No. Sessa Kuch Gaon is a village under Kotoha region, and its development explains how natural environment changed with human activities. Earlier, the area was covered with dense forest, wild animals, and natural water bodies. Over time, with settlement, agriculture, and development, many changes took place.
Natural events like the 1950 Assam earthquake and floods also played an important role in shaping the land and environment of this region.
2. Methodology
This study is based on both primary and secondary sources. The main information is collected through fieldwork and interviews with local people. One of the most important sources is Kodomi Gogoi and Rajani Chetia who were one of the earliest residents of the village. Their knowledge helped to understand past environmental conditions and changes.
Information was also collected from other elders of the village. As a secondary source, the book Ru-Suk was used. In addition, Swadesh Adhyayan Class 12 (NCERT) was also referred. Observation of local features such as the Sessa River, forest, beel, and agricultural land also helped in preparing this study.
3. History (Environmental and Settlement History)
In early times, the area of present-day 2 No. Sessa Kuch Gaon was fully covered with dense forest and had no permanent settlement. The first known settler was Baparam Borgohain, who migrated from Sivasagar before 1930. At that time, wild animals like foxes were common, and the Sessa River was smaller than it is today.
In the beginning, there were only five families, and the place was known as Na Kaniya Gaon. After 1960, a major change started when people began clearing forests to create paddy fields and build houses. A large forest area of more than 3 square kilometers was converted into agricultural land. Due to this, the natural environment started changing rapidly. In 1985, the government officially recognized it as 2 No. Sessa Kuch Gaon.
The 1950 Assam earthquake caused major environmental changes in the region. A large beel of about 150–200 meters was formed in the village, which is still used for fishing. There is also a leftover tributary of the Sessa River, showing that the river changed its course after the earthquake.
The forest resources of the region are important. Keko Forest has trees like mango and Ajar. The traditional Assamese flower Kopou Phul is found here. A rare and endangered plant called Hotmul is also present, which is used as food and medicine. The name Kotoha itself comes from Kotoha bamboo.
Wildlife has changed over time. Earlier, tigers were common in this area, but due to deforestation they disappeared, although a few have been seen again recently. The animal known as Gui has become endangered. Turtles, which were found earlier, are now completely gone. At the same time, few monkeys are now seen in the village.
Water resources are also important. The Sessa River contains many fish and supports local life. There is a large wetland called Sumoni Beel where cows graze. However, this beel is slowly being occupied by people, which is reducing its natural area and affecting biodiversity.
Flood is a major problem in this region. In 2013, a severe flood washed away many parts of the village, and people had to take shelter near the railway line. At the same time, the Sessa River is continuously eroding its banks, which is causing loss of land every year.
In 2000, the government constructed a railway line by cutting large forest areas. This improved transportation but also damaged the environment and wildlife habitat. The region also has cultural importance because of two Moidam, which belong to Ahom princes.
4. Demography
The village has shown steady population growth over time. In the early stage, there were only five families. By 2010, the number increased to 43 families, and now there are around 61 households.
The total population is about 348 people. Most people depend on agriculture, especially paddy cultivation, along with fishing and livestock rearing. With the increase in population, pressure on land and natural resources has also increased, leading to environmental changes like deforestation, wetland reduction, and land loss.
5. Conclusion
The environmental history of Kotoha and 2 No. Sessa Kuch Gaon shows how closely human life and nature are connected. From a forest-covered area to a developed village, many changes have taken place due to settlement, agriculture, floods, and development.
Natural events like earthquakes and floods have shaped the land, while human activities like deforestation and construction have also affected the environment. Therefore, it is important to protect natural resources and maintain a balance for future generations.
6. References
Kodomi Gogoi (Oral interview)
Interviews with other elders of 2 No. Sessa Kuch Gaon
Ru-Suk
Swadesh Adhyayan Class 12 (NCERT)
Field observation of Kotoha region
