I begin by establishing the physical context for this interdisciplinary environmental justice study, focusing on the region of Bihar. I examine the impact of altering the natural flow of the intricate network of Himalayan rivers, including those fed by springs, snow, and rainfall, on the flood plains of north Bihar. The construction of embankments and barrages along the Kosi River in the context of the north Bihar flood plains has proven to be detrimental, resulting in the division of the region into three distinct landmasses: the area enclosed within the embankments, the area outside and adjacent to the embankments, and the area situated farther away from them.

Conducting a secondary analysis of the geomorphological characteristics of the Kosi River, I investigate how these characteristics influence its capacity to carry water and render it susceptible to flooding. This forms the fundamental premise for reviewing existing literature on flood hazards and their disproportionate impact on marginalized groups. This study employs the theoretical framework of environmental justice and contextual vulnerability to investigate the unequal distribution of flood risks in north Bihar during the post-embankment period since the 1960s. It begins by examining the literature on historical events that have contributed to the landlessness experienced by marginalized communities such as the Musahar and Mallah.

The study aims to shed light on how higher caste individuals and zamindars have systematically appropriated all the lands in the north Bihar region, pushing communities like the Musahar and Mallah to the margins. By analyzing these historical and socio-economic factors, the research seeks to understand the underlying causes of the disproportionate impact of floods on vulnerable communities in the region.