Climate Change is no more a myth, but a reality. Existing literature suggests a detrimental effect on human health. Tribal communities maintain a majority of the world’s ecology, but due to their already vulnerable situation, are facing the direct impact of the same on their health without any contribution. Despite special governmental status, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) face health related illness without receiving adequate attention, highlighting the urgency.

This study focuses on four geographical zones of Odisha - eastern ghats, coastal plains, central tableland and northern plateau, and examines the experiences of selected PVTGs, namely Chuktia Bhunjia, Saora, Kutia Khond and Juang respectively. The authors have adopted an empirical methodology, collecting qualitative data using a grounded theory approach. The data was collected via semi structured open ended questionnaire using tools like focused group discussions and interviews. Approximately forty PVTGs (ten from each zone), including men and women across different age groups, were selected using purposive sampling and this data was analysed using Atlas.ti software. The study explores health issues like communicable and vector-borne diseases, along with heat-related illnesses.

Findings indicate that temperature changes, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather are causing water and food scarcity, worsening health outcomes. Dependence on traditional healers persists, but declining forest resources limit these practices. FGDs revealed gendered vulnerabilities: women faced greater strain from longer water and food collection, while men in manual labour reported increased heat-related illness. Participants also reported rising incidences of diseases like dengue, malaria, and diarrhoea, compounded by poor healthcare access.

Authors:
Srutee Badu, KIIT University, India
Shreya Chatterjee, KIIT University, India
Mrinalini Banerjee, National Law University Odisha, India

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Srutee Badu is a Ph.D law scholar at KIIT School of Law, KIIT University, Odisha, India and working on the topic of Impact of climate Change on the health of tribal communities, majorly focusing on the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha. She is also working as a visiting faculty at Xavier Law School, XIM University, Odisha, India since three years and have the experience of teaching subjects like Intellectual Property Laws (IPR), Environmental Laws, Law of Torts, Mergers and Acquisitions, Jurisprudence etc.

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