Climate induced migration and internal displacement in rural India

This study rigorously explores the profound impacts of climate change on human migration patterns, specifically through the lens of climate-induced forced migration and internal displacement within rural India, as exemplified by Meenakshipuram in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi District. It aims to dissect the complex interplay between environmental drivers, such as rainfall variability and natural disasters, and other factors including social, political, economic, and governance issues that foster forced migration. Responding to the critical need for context-specific analysis, the research adopts a conceptual framework based on Black et al.’s (2011) model, which posits that migration decisions are profoundly influenced by the interplay of environmental, socio-economic, and governance factors [27]. The methodology relies exclusively on an exhaustive analysis of secondary data, including the EPWRF India Time Series, district-level statistics, and existing media reports. Qualitative insights were gleaned from previously conducted interviews and reports, analysed through thematic coding to distil key narratives about the socio-economic degradation and environmental decline experienced by Meenakshipuram’s last residents. The findings indicate that significant reductions in rainfall have led to severe water scarcity and agricultural failure, exacerbating economic vulnerabilities and culminating in the migration and eventual abandonment of Meenakshipuram. Additionally, the study highlights how existing socio-economic vulnerabilities, such as inadequate infrastructure, educational and healthcare deficiencies, and systemic governance failures, intensify the community’s migration pressures, demonstrating that climate change impacts are significantly magnified by pre-existing socio-economic disparities. This study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to address internal displacement in India, advocating for the development of robust legislative frameworks that facilitate effective rehabilitation and ensure the protection of the rights and livelihoods of displaced populations. Clinical Trial Number: Not Applicable.